Integrity as the Steadfast Guide of the Upright

Proverbs 11:3 declares that the integrity of the upright shall guide them. The world's policy, like the world itself, fluctuates and deceives—uncertain in both objects and means, it knows nothing of the steadfastness that religious principle imparts to mind and conduct. The shifts and windings of those guided only by pride and avarice would be ludicrous were they not accompanied by serious mischief.

Integrity, originating in honest feeling, exalted by piety, and cherished through reflection upon life's probationary state, becomes our purest guide amidst temptation and difficulty, through all vicissitudes and perplexities in thought and action. By integrity is meant a steady determination to abide by the profession of important truth, however unfashionable, and to be upright in all transactions, whatever the expense of temporary ease.

Integrity serves as the surest guide in religious inquiry. Go to Scripture with sincere desire for practical and consolatory truths, without sectarian bias, and integrity will guide you in all essentials affecting both practice and salvation. Furthermore, integrity is our best guide in worldly transactions as members of society. It solves moral difficulties generated by complicated interests that perplex those lacking settled principle. Enlightened by gospel truth and fortified by its promises, integrity admits no hesitation on account of temporary inconvenience. Truth in the hands of wisdom and courage confounds the subtle chicanery and pitiful arts of deception.