We just keep plugging along, and it’s an honor to write these devotionals for you all. Today, we dive into Proverbs chapters 11–13—passages rich with reminders about how God values honesty, justice, and character in every corner of our lives.
Before we get into the text, let me tell you about the interview that changed my life.
Wasn’t About a Job
The company I worked for most of my life had a core value etched into everything they did: “Integrity without compromise.” It wasn’t just corporate talk. I saw it lived out—and they tested me on it before I even got the job.
In my initial interview, I was in the room with two managers and two fellow candidates. One of the last questions surprised us all:
“In less than five minutes, sell us a product. It can be anything—look around the room, use something you own, just make the pitch.”
I prayed. I looked around. All I could think of was sharing the gospel.
We’d listened to The Way of the Master podcast with Kirk Cameron, Ray Comfort, and Todd Friel¹. That content was fresh in my mind. But this wasn’t the right moment for a witness… right?
I worried I’d blow the interview if I spoke about Jesus. But nothing else came to mind—so I went for it.
“John,” I began, “have you ever stolen anything—even accidentally? Maybe walked away from someone’s desk with their pen?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
“Me too,” I said. “We all have. Let me ask you this—have you ever looked at someone with a strong desire for them?”
He looked uncomfortable but answered, “All the time.”
“Don’t we all?” I nodded. “One last question: have you ever been mad at someone?”
He chuckled. “Yeah—on my way to this meeting.”
We laughed together. Then I said:
“Based on what Jesus says in the Bible, John, you just admitted you’ve stolen, lusted, and been angry. Is that fair?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“Well, Jesus says to lust is adultery in the heart—and to harbor anger is equivalent to murder. John, if you stood before God today, would you be innocent or guilty?”
“I guess I’d be guilty,” he admitted.
That moment led to explaining salvation and inviting him to believe. I closed the deal—but not the way they expected. I left thinking I’d lost the job. Turns out, John became my manager. Andy, the other manager, became a long-time friend. And I worked there for over two decades.
The takeaway? If there’s compromise, integrity doesn’t exist.
Timeless Standards
Solomon knew this truth. Proverbs 11 begins:
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.” — Proverbs 11:1, NIV
In Solomon’s time, weights and balances governed everyday trade. Authorities set standardized stones to ensure fairness. But dishonest traders would alter those stones—using lighter ones to shortchange customers or heavier ones when buying goods.
And it wasn’t just a metaphor.
In 2021, archaeologists discovered a First Temple-era weight labeled “two gerahs”—just over one gram. But the actual stone weighed three times that. The merchant may be nameless, but the fraud was measurable².
Echoes of Corruption
Scripture denounces dishonest measures:
- Hosea 12:7 — “The merchant uses dishonest scales and loves to defraud.”
- Amos 8:5 — “Skimping on the measure, boosting the price, and cheating with dishonest scales.”
- Micah 6:11 — “Shall I acquit someone with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights?”
Even Roman-era historians like Tacitus condemned economic injustice. He criticized Roman publicani (tax farmers) and senators who manipulated grain prices—dishonest trade cloaked in bureaucracy³.
Lucian of Samosata, a satirist from the 2nd century AD, mocked merchants and philosophers who sold virtue but lived corruptly⁴. While he didn’t name specific traders, his tone aligns with Proverbs 11:1—exposing those who twist justice for gain.
A Challenge
Proverbs 11–13 doesn’t just condemn dishonest weights—it expands the warning:
- “The wicked earn deceptive wages…” — Proverbs 11:18
- “Dishonest money dwindles away…” — Proverbs 13:11
These verses invite us to search our own lives:
- Have you ever noticed an undercharge and said nothing?
- Have you kept incorrect change that benefitted you?
- Have you told half-truths to avoid discomfort?
It’s not about shame—it’s about alignment with God’s character.
Not Earned – Received
Thankfully, the gospel relies on Christ’s integrity, not ours.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 > “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus carried the weight of our failures—including those we excuse—and offered us His righteousness in exchange.
Closing Reflection
Integrity begins not with reputation, but with repentance. God delights in just measures not because they’re efficient—but because they reflect His heart.
What’s one corner of your life where integrity could shine brighter today?
Tomorrow, we will read Proverbs 14-16.
Footnotes
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The Way of the Master podcast, hosted by Kirk Cameron, Ray Comfort, and Todd Friel.
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“Rare First Temple Era ‘Deception’ Uncovered in Jerusalem,” United with Israel.
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“Tacitus on Tyrants, Sycophants, and Republicans,” Fulcrum; “Historians Reconsidered: Tacitus,” History Today.
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Lucian’s satirical works such as The Sale of Lives and The Fisherman expose moral corruption in Roman society.
