DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
MAY 26, 2026
READ: Proverbs 12 (Focus vs. 13-23)
MEMORY VERSE
“The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” Proverbs 12:22
BACKGROUND
In a moment of distraction, Sarah unknowingly dropped her diamond engagement ring into a homeless man’s cup. Billy Ray, the panhandler who was given the ring, had it appraised and considered selling it. But he chose honesty and returned it to Sarah when she came back a few days later.
Sarah and her husband set up a fund so donations could be made to help Billy Ray, which led to an outpouring of generosity from others. Billy Ray received financial and legal counsel and was eventually able to buy a home. He was also reunited with his long-lost family.
When we practice integrity, we please God and inspire others. Solomon says God delighted in his integrity: “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22). He uses strong language to describe God’s view of dishonesty—He detests it.
When God’s people lie or “deceit is in [their] hearts” (v. 20), it defies Him and goes against His character. In contrast, when His people have “truthful lips” (v. 19) and deal faithfully, it brings Him joy. So treating others well is more than just telling the truth—it reflects God’s own character.
And in a world where deception can seem profitable, our integrity is something He “delights in” (v. 22).
Let’s commit to act with integrity as God helps us. Even if the world doesn’t notice, He’s delighted when we walk in His ways.
Marvin Williams
INSIGHT
In Proverbs 12, Solomon says that our words and actions demonstrate what’s in our heart.
He gives a severe warning that God “detests lying lips” but “delights in people who are trustworthy” (v. 22). He “detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him” (11:1). He “hates” pride, falsehood, and duplicity (6:16-19).
Likewise, Jesus said that a person’s speech will show what’s in one’s heart (Luke 6:45). God desires for us to honor Him with our lives. Believers in Christ want to be able to say, “We have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with [fellow believers], with integrity and godly sincerity.
We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (2 Corinthians 1:12). The Spirit can help us live with integrity. Even if the world doesn’t notice, God will.
Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
How does being trustworthy reflect God’s character? How will you live out integrity today?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“When we practice integrity, we please God and inspire others.”
PR’s TAKE
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 esv
The one who is faithful with the little entrusted will be given more. Pr – Adapted
“Do the right thing even when no one is watching. It is called INEGRITY” C. S. Lewis
PRAYER
“Dear God, please teach me to live out integrity before You and others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
INTEGRITY” Red Grammer
Integrity, Integrity
It’s good for you, it’s good for me
The best that we will ever be
Is when we’ve got Integrity
Do the right thing, cause it’s the right thing to do
Even when you know nobody’s watching you
Everyone should do it – a kid or a king
Cause when you’ve got Integrity, you do the right thing.
Make the right choice, when there’s so much to choose
Even when there might be somethin’ big to lose
Everyone can hear it – it’s in your voice
You’re someone who’s always gonna make the right choice.
I – for Independence
N – for my good Name
T – for Tryin’ all the time – I want folks to know that I’m
E – for Even-handed
G – for Good as Gold
R – for Real as Real can be
I – for Incorruptible – that’s me
T – for Truthful to a “T”
Y not have Integrity?
It isn’t such a mystery
The world I want begins with me
Though I’m not perfect, I can be
A person with Integrity
