5 Minute Devotional: Integrity – The Foundation of a Godly Man
Scripture:
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” — Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)
The Man in the Mirror
He had the promotion in the bag. It would mean more money, more time at home, and finally being able to breathe a little easier. But the job came with strings—silent compromises, things left unsaid, and a few half-truths swept under the rug. No one would know. No one would call him out. He could justify it—"It’s for the good of my family." But deep down, he knew: if he said yes, he’d be selling more than his time—he’d be selling his integrity.
The man you are when no one is looking is the man you truly are.
That sentence doesn’t flatter the ego. But it’s true. And it brings us to the final focus of this 4-week series: integrity—the steady, unseen force that separates godly men from merely good ones.
We’ve talked about courage, discipline, and faithfulness. But all of those traits need a foundation. Without integrity, they’re just words. Integrity is the bedrock of a godly life—it’s the glue that holds everything else together.
1. Integrity Walks Securely
Proverbs 10:9 tells us that the man who walks in integrity “walks securely.” That means he moves through life with confidence. Not arrogance—but peace. Why? Because he has nothing to hide. No secrets to protect. No masks to maintain.
Living with integrity doesn’t mean you're perfect. It means you're honest. It means your public life and private life are one and the same. You’re not putting on a show. You’re not two different men depending on the room you’re in.
It’s exhausting to live in duplicity—to constantly juggle who you are and who people think you are. But a man of integrity walks light. He walks free. He doesn’t fear being “found out” because he’s already walking in the light.
Let me ask you this:
If your wife read your texts…
If your kids saw your browser history…
If your coworkers knew how you spoke when the doors were closed…
Would you be proud of what they saw?
2. Integrity Takes Guts
Let’s be real: integrity is rarely easy. It usually costs something. Sometimes it’s money. Sometimes it’s status. Sometimes, it’s comfort, convenience, or reputation. But it’s always worth it.
Choosing integrity means:
Telling the truth, even when lying would be easier.
Owning your mistakes, instead of blaming others.
Staying faithful to your wife in a culture that glorifies lust and escape.
Refusing to cut corners, even when no one would know.
Psalm 15:1-2 says,
"Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart."
Integrity is a daily battle, not a one-time decision. It’s forged in a thousand small choices—when you're alone, tired, tempted, or discouraged.
And let’s not forget: your kids are watching.
They are learning what manhood looks like by watching you.
Not what you say… but how you live.
“Your sons and daughters will define manhood by the life you live in front of them.”
Let that sink in.
3. Integrity Reflects Christ
Jesus never cut corners. He didn’t manipulate the truth to win people over or compromise His values to gain influence. He walked in perfect integrity—truthful, humble, and obedient—even when it cost Him everything.
When you walk in integrity, you reflect Christ. You become a living testimony of the gospel to your family, your friends, and your coworkers. You become a safe place, a steady rock, and a man people can trust.
Your integrity speaks louder than your sermons.
Your quiet faithfulness is more powerful than big words.
The way you show up—at work, at home, in private—that’s the legacy you’re building.
Never forget this:
Your wife is watching.
Your kids are watching.
Your coworkers are watching.
But most of all—God sees it all.
And that’s a good thing. Because God also sees the hidden obedience. The quiet faithfulness. The small victories that no one else celebrates. And He honors them.
Reflection Questions
Where are you most tempted to compromise your integrity?
Is there anything hidden in your life that needs to be brought into the light?
What’s one small but honest decision you can make this week to walk in integrity?
Action Step
This week, identify one area where you've been slipping—maybe it’s with your words, your thoughts, your discipline, or your honesty.
Confess it. Correct it.
Call a brother for accountability.
Make it right.
Then, choose to walk forward—head high, eyes clear, heart clean.
Walk secure.
Closing Encouragement
Brother, integrity isn’t built in the spotlight. It’s forged in the shadows.
It’s the brick-by-brick building of a life your wife can count on…
Your kids can trust…
Your church can follow…
And your God can use.
The world doesn’t need more polished men. It needs more honest ones.
It needs men of conviction.
Men of consistency.
Men of Christ-like integrity.
Let this be your declaration:
I will be a man of integrity—no matter the cost.
Prayer
Lord, make me a man of integrity. A man who walks in the light. A man who speaks the truth, lives with courage, and does what’s right—even when no one is watching. Help me to build my life on a foundation that cannot be shaken. Use me to show others what it means to walk with You—faithful, honest, and true. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Until next time.
Praesis ut prosis ne ut imperes,
Shawn