INTEGRITY Tom and its Hebrew word group should be translated ‘blameless,’ ‘blamelessness,’ and ‘be blameless’ when they refer to a person’s integrity (Gen. 17:1; Deut. 18:13) and ‘perfect’ when they refer to God (Deut. 32:4; 2 Sam. 22:31; Psa. 19:7). To be blameless is to be above reproach: no one can blame you for doing wrong. This word group does not teach sinless perfection, however, since all men have sin natures (Prov. 20:9; Rom. 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10). Noah, for instance, was “perfect” (Gen. 6:9 KJV), yet sinned (9:21). God twice called Job “perfect” (Job 1:8; 2:3 KJV), yet Job mentions “the iniquities of my youth” (13:26). The Bible makes a distinction between absolute and relative perfection. 1. God’s way (Psa. 18:30), work (Deut. 32:4), and Law (Psa. 19:7) are blameless—absolutely perfect. 2. Satan was perfect before his fall (Ezek. 28:15). Angels were created morally perfect and everything they did was blameless and pleasing to God. 3. Integrity exists in the heart (Gen. 20:5–6; 1 Kings 9:4; Psa. 7:8; 78:72; 101:2). 4. To walk with integrity is to be obedient (1 Kings 9:4–5) and to live a blameless life (Psa. 26:1, 11). We can be blameless by not sinning (Psa. 18:23). It’s possible for fallen people (Gen. 17:1) and nations (Deut. 18:13) to be blameless before God. 5. The wicked hate men and women who have integrity (Prov. 29:10). To be hated by ‘men of bloodshed’ is to be in danger: given provocation and opportunity they may try to kill you. 6. The LORD is delighted with those who walk blamelessly—with integrity (Prov. 11:20). 7. The blameless are protected by their righteousness (Prov. 13:6). The protection envisioned here is to be kept from danger. Our righteousness is like a guard who watches for and alerts us to danger—and in the process protects us from harm. 8. The blameless will walk in safety (Prov. 10:9). This is a promise of protection and security—to be kept from danger because their righteousness (Prov. 13:6) and wisdom (3:23) protects them. In addition, God has promised to protect those who are obedient to the covenant (Lev. 25:18–19; 26:5; cf. Psa. 4:8). The implication of the second line is: ‘But he who is crooked in his ways will be found out and will not walk with security.’ He does not feel safe, but is always looking over his shoulder. 9. The LORD protects those who walk blamelessly—with integrity (Prov. 2:7). The protection envisioned here is protection in danger. Shields were defensive weapons carried for protection in battle. Picture God as a warrior with uplifted shield standing between you and your enemies—shielding you from harm. God’s protection is conditioned on (1) being upright in heart (Psa. 7:10), (2) walking blamelessly (Psa. 84:11; Prov. 2:7), and (3) taking refuge in him (Psa. 18:30; Prov. 30:5). We have no reason to fear if God is our shield (Gen. 15:1). God’s protection is a reason for happiness and thanksgiving (Psa. 28:7). 10. Protection is promised to those who walk blamelessly—with integrity (Prov. 28:18; cf. Psa. 25:21). The verb yasha is used of deliverance from enemies (Psa. 18:3) and deliverance in battle (33:16). David counted on his blamelessness and uprightness to preserve him in danger (Psa. 25:21). God will protect you for your allotted number of days (cf. Job 14:5; Psa. 139:16). Jesus, for example, lived a blameless life and God protected him from his enemies on numerous occasions (Luke 4:28–30; John 8:59; 10:39), but removed his hedge of protection at the cross. Divine protection is promised for your allotted number of days, but does not promise a long life. 11. The way of the LORD (doing righteousness and justice) is a stronghold to the blameless (Prov. 10:29). The way of the LORD is the way of righteousness and justice: we “keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice” (Gen. 18:19). Apollos was “instructed in the way of the Lord”—from the Old Testament (Acts 18:25). The protection envisioned here is again protection in the midst of danger. A stronghold is a place of protection and safety in times of danger. Notice that righteousness protects the blameless from danger (Prov. 13:6) and in danger (10:29). 12. It’s better to be poor with integrity than rich and crooked (Prov. 28:6; cf. 19:1). 13. Be careful to choose friends and associates who are blameless—as King David did (Psa. 101:6). This is “a pledge to surround himself in his reign with the faithful and blameless” (NIV Study Bible, 892). 14. Happiness is promised to men and women who are blameless (Psa. 119:1). They will remain in the land (Prov. 2:21), not hurt themselves (Prov. 11:5), and inherit good (Prov. 28:10). 15. Happiness is promised to children of fathers who walk blamelessly (Prov. 20:7; cf. 1 Kings 11:9–13). This is one of 45 beatitudes in the Old Testament: it promises happiness to children if their fathers walk blamelessly before the LORD. They will be happy because God protects them (Prov. 14:26) and their inheritance will not be squandered, lost, or seized to pay debts (13:22).