Tuesday 23 September 2025
The righteous walk in integrity. (v. 7)
Background
I think the theme for today's reading is 'How do you live a good life?' If you search for 'living a good life' online, many websites, including those powered by trendy artificial intelligence, will bombard you with a range of suggestions including material comfort, wellbeing, loving relationships and more.
How to live a good life is a perennial question that has been explored by humanity for centuries, including by renowned philosophers such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. As times change, so do the answers. Perhaps the most enduring wisdom is found by listening to our Creator, especially through the wisdom literature of Proverbs.
The word ‘Proverbs’ refers to short, clever sayings that offer valuable guidance. Viewed through a biblical lens, this wisdom enables those who bear God’s image to discover how to live well in God’s world.
Today’s scripture comes from a section (chapters 10–29) in which God’s wisdom is woven into daily life through his image-bearing humans: King Solomon and other ancient sages who revered the Lord. Their proverbs offer a wide range of moral insights on common areas of life such as family, justice, sexuality, marriage, work, generosity, poverty and forgiveness. All of these help build a good life (though other wisdom books, such as Job and Ecclesiastes, acknowledge exceptions).
Today’s scripture highlights one key aspect of human virtue: integrity. Wisdom calls us to examine whether our thoughts, words and actions are aligned with ourselves and with the Lord. When this happens, not only do we rid our lives of evil and its effects, but we also set an example for future generations.
To Ponder:
A prayer tradition from Ignatian spirituality called 'The Examen' can help us to examine our thoughts and deeds. At the end of each day, simply ask yourself:
- When today did I feel the greatest sense of belonging – to myself, to others, to God, and to the universe?
- When did I feel the least sense of belonging?
Prayer
O Lord, may these questions help me embark on a journey to reclaim my integrity, founded on the fear of the Lord, my creator and maker. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Kan Yu
The Revd Kan Yu is a presbyter in south-west London and works with Hong Kong migrants living in London.