WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES?

“Better is the poor that walks in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” — Proverbs 19:1

Integrity is more than just honesty, it’s the unwavering commitment to do what is right, regardless of cost, consequence, or reward. As defined by Wikipedia, it’s “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” But in the real world, integrity is a choice—a daily decision to live by a higher standard, even when the stakes are high and the rewards for compromise seem tempting.

Solomon, known as the wisest man who ever lived, repeatedly emphasised this truth, that a life of righteousness outweighs worldly success. He says this again in Proverbs 28:6: “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” This is a principle that should shape our very priorities. God is not impressed by wealth or influence, but by those who walk in integrity. Are you?

We will all face crossroads where the price of truth seems too high. Opportunities will come that promise advancement at the cost of one’s conscience. In those moments, will you choose character or compromise? Will you put God’s approval above worldly applause?

Consider the story of two men from 1 Samuel 25: Nabal and David. Nabal was wealthy, powerful, and married to a beautiful woman. Yet, Scripture calls him a fool, a man of wickedness. David, on the other hand, was a fugitive, homeless and hunted, yet he was a man after God’s own heart. Nabal died under God’s judgment. David was raised up, protected, and crowned king. One chose wealth without God and perished; the other chose integrity and was exalted by God Himself. The contrast is eternal. One gained the world and lost his soul. The other lost everything but gained the favour of heaven.

In our culture, success is often defined by status, wealth, and visibility. But Scripture calls that “the prosperity of fools” (Psalm 73:16–20). Solomon warned, “He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish like a branch.” (Proverbs 11:28) Jesus Himself makes a remarkable promise: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)

It may seem hard to believe, but God never lies. In choosing integrity, you gain far more than you lose. You gain peace, honour, purpose, and the eternal reward that no thief can steal and no economy can shake.

So, what are your priorities? 

The choice is before you every day–wealth or wisdom, applause or approval, compromise or character. Choose what matters. Choose what lasts. Choose integrity.

Stay blessed,

Pastor Ranti Orioke