He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. – Proverbs 2:7
It was a perilous time for Israel. Joshua, God’s replacement for Moses, was assigned to lead the nation into the Promised Land. They had crossed the Jordan River on dry land, just as their forefathers had done at the Red Sea. The wicked nations of Canaan heard of this and were fearful; “their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them” (Joshua 5:1).
Then Israel defeated Jericho and Ai, and Israel’s reputation and that of their God spread through the land. The kings of the lowland country decided to join forces to fight against Joshua and Israel. However, the inhabitants of Gibeon, not wanting to go the way of the two defeated cities, cunningly devised a way to secure a peace agreement with Israel… and it worked. The treaty was made under false pretenses and without counsel from the Lord, but Joshua, in making peace with them, agreed to let them live.
Within a short period of time, five kings of the Amorites joined forces against Gibeon, and Israel was called upon to defend them. Joshua could have refused to fight because of the deception of the Gibeonites but, with integrity, he held to the agreement. God was with them and gave them the victory.
Integrity is a powerful trait in those you choose to lead this country. If you have already cast your vote, pray now for those who have yet to make their voices heard. May they have discernment to know those candidates who will act with uprightness as they lead in the cities, counties, states, and the nation. Choose yourself to live with integrity no matter the circumstances.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 2:7
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Job 2:2-10, 42:1-2, 10
2 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 3 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” 4 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.”
7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes.
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
1Then Job answered the Lord and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
10 And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
