The story is told that in ancient China, the people desired security from the barbaric hordes to the north; so they built the Great Wall of China (see video). It was so high they knew no one could climb over it and so thick that nothing could break it down.
They settled back to enjoy their security. During the first hundred years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times. Not once did the barbaric hordes break down the wall or climb over the top. Each time they bribed a gatekeeper and then marched right through the gates.
The Chinese were so busy building and relying on walls of stone, they forgot to teach integrity to their people (source).
The Proverb writer understood this important aspect of integrity, when he wrote:
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
They settled back to enjoy their security. During the first hundred years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times. Not once did the barbaric hordes break down the wall or climb over the top. Each time they bribed a gatekeeper and then marched right through the gates.
The Chinese were so busy building and relying on walls of stone, they forgot to teach integrity to their people (source).The Proverb writer understood this important aspect of integrity, when he wrote:
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them” (Proverbs 11:3 ESV).The Psalmist encourages us to:
“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You” (Psalm 25:21 ESV).Beloved, let us teach our children and grandchildren the importance of adding integrity to their character, for it will not only benefit them in this life, but in the life to come (Revelation 21:24-27; Revelation 22:14-15).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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