Proverbs 19:1 Character matters to God

What does God require of us? 

He requires us to be…

fair

forgiving

humble in our walk with Him (Micah 6:8)

Satan is the father of lies and those who choose to lie have no depth and are without a moral compass. Carla. 

Proverbs 19:1

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. (NKJV)

This proverb, one of the “better than” proverbs (17:1, 10), presents a poor person in a more favorable light than a rich person (28:6). In this case, the poor person’s life is marked by integrity, whereas the successful person has gained his wealth through cheating and deception. The Book of Proverbs does not place a premium on health and wealth. It gives that honor to integrity (3:1–12). The NKJV Study Bible

Poverty with integrity is better than wealth gained deceitfully (16:8; 28:6). Proverbs frequently connects a person’s speech and character (14:25; 16:23; 17:27). The contrast in this proverb implies that wealth does not always go to people who deserve it. Faithlife Study Bible

Proverbs 28:6

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

Than  one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Proverbs 14:2

He who  walks in his uprightness fears the LORD,

But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.

Proverbs 20:7

The righteous man walks in his integrity;

His children are blessed after him.

Psalm 26:11

But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;

Redeem me and be merciful to me.

Psalm 26:1

Vindicate me, O LORD,

For I have walked in my integrity.

I have also trusted in the LORD;

I shall not slip.

“In difficult times carry something beautiful in your heart.” Let us gratefully carry Blaise Pascal’s reminder with us today.

Along with Mary Oliver’s reminder,
“it is a serious thing
just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world”

Somehow, the gift of just being me, isn't enough. And we disconnect from delight and wonder and joy and gratitude. It's as if we lose our true identity.

So. What if embracing the temporal nature of our life—that butterfly nature within—is about the permission to fall shamelessly and wholeheartedly in love with this life? And this moment—whatever it may bring? And what if this permission to fall wholeheartedly in love with this moment is about hearing the voice of grace?

Know this my friends: God’s grace, is our ballast.

God is alive in well in everyday life, and in the people around me

The ordinary is the hiding place for the holy

In small gifts and gestures, I find awe, and celebrate the sacrament of the present

In honoring grace, I say yes to sanctuary, resilience, unity, inclusiveness, wholeness and healing. Sabbath Moments