August 27

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them."—Proverbs 11:3

THE verse out of which these words are selected, presents to our view a striking and affecting contrast. Here are two opposite characters, two separate courses, and two different results. While "the integrity of the upright shall guide them, the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." Notice in the text

THE DISPOSITION OF MIND REFERRED TO. Integrity. Christians are often spoken of as those that walk uprightly. Integrity is a principle which leads us, with the fullest determination, under all circumstances, and at all hazards, to do that which is right. Observe three things respecting the integrity of the upright. Its foundation is God's grace. His people are upright in Christ, from the principles of renewed nature. Integrity forms a part of the character of a good man. Its rule is God's word. This is the standard to which we are to appeal in all cases of doubt or difficulty. "To the law and to the testimony." Its end is God's glory. This should be like a central sun in the firmament of Christian experience, around which the whole system of duties should revolve. If God's glory is our end, God's favor shall be our reward.

THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS RESULTING FROM IT. "It shall guide them." Henry observes, "his principles are fixed, his rule is certain, and therefore his way is plain." It shall guide them in all their decisions. It shall lead them to adopt and pursue a right and conscientious course. Not to decide in any matter hastily, but after mature deliberation. In all their duties. These are many and various, referring to God, to the church, to their families, the neighborhood in which they live, and to society at large. In all their dangers. While in the world, we are never free from danger. Dangers lurk on every side; but the integrity of the upright, while it guides, also preserves them. In the choice of society. How much of our comfort, usefulness, and respectability, depend on the selection of suitable companions! "He that walketh with the wise shall be wise." In the arrangement of domestic affairs. How many suffer in their character, comforts, and reputation, for want of a guide in their temporal concerns! Let me desire above all things to have my heart renewed; and the possession of a Divine principle will always be attended with the pursuit of an upright course.