#1341. Proverbs 11:1-3 – Honesty, humility and integrity (1/9/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 11:1-3, we reflect on how the humble gain God’s wisdom and apply it with integrity in all aspects of life.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Honesty - integrity pleases God

What exactly are the ‘scales’ mentioned in this proverb? And why does God detest dishonest ones while favouring accurate weights? This verse speaks directly to integrity in business — particularly in trade.

In ancient markets, items like grain were weighed using standardised stones. Traders were expected to use accurate, fair weights to determine value. But some, driven by greed, carried two sets: heavier stones when buying (to get more for less), and lighter ones when selling (to give less for more). It was clever manipulation — and God hates it.

This isn’t a minor issue. It's called detestable — a word Scripture reserves for what is deeply offensive to God's character. Dishonest practices, even if they seem small or common, are not neutral — they are sinful and provoke God’s judgment.

As Christians, our profession of faith must shape how we conduct ourselves in every area of life — especially in our work. God is not indifferent to how we do business. He delights in honesty, integrity, and fairness.

In response: Is your work shaped by your worship? Do your professional practices reflect the God you profess to serve?

ii. Humility - humility leads to wisdom

Pride and humility are central themes in Proverbs — and for good reason. These two postures shape the course of a person’s life.

The proud are self-reliant and full of their own opinions. They resist correction, refuse to learn, and ultimately invite disgrace. Pride isolates us from the wisdom we need because it blinds us to our need for help.

In contrast, the humble are meek — confident in God and hungry for His wisdom, will, and power. They are teachable, open to correction, and willing to learn from those with greater experience. That’s why humility is the doorway to true wisdom.

In response: Are you proud or humble? Do you have a posture of learning — actively seeking God’s wisdom and listening well to others?

iii. Integrity - our integrity is to be our guide

Integrity is a kind of inner compass — it keeps us on course when life gets complicated. Unlike the dishonest traders with “false scales” (Proverbs 11:1), the upright are guided by truth, consistency, and the desire to honour God in all areas of life — work, rest, and play.

Their lives are aligned; their words and actions harmonise like a well-tuned instrument, pointing in one direction — toward God’s glory.

In contrast, the unfaithful are described as ‘duplicitous.’ Their lives are fractured by conflicting motives. One moment they may appear honest, the next they’re driven by selfish ambition or hidden agendas. Like a piano out of tune, their lives lack harmony — and the result is destruction. Chaos now, and ultimately, judgment later.

In response: Are you living with integrity? Do your values, motives, and actions point in one clear direction — to love and honour God?

To bring these three proverbs together, let’s ask ourselves:

• Am I using honest scales?”

• Are the weights and measures I use — my value system — aligned with God’s truth and wisdom?

• Am I living in harmony, with a whole-hearted desire to please God in all things?

Let’s be people who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness — in our work, our words, and our walk.

Let’s pray together:

“Father, help me to be humble so I may listen. Help me to live with integrity, so I may apply Your wisdom. Shape my heart to seek Your Kingdom in all I do. May my life — and even my work — reflect Your glory. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #13: Proverbs 11:1-11:31. A vision of the Righteous life

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.