Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
    are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
    but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
    for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
    but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

This is an important reminder that the heart matters.

”But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.

However we come across externally (and the context of our passage particularly has to do with our words), God knows what we are like internally. Let’s make a point of endeavouring to cultivate an inner world which is pleasing to God, and will overflow with blessing into the world.

Integrity involves an integration of who we are on the inside with what we do and say on the outside.

PRAYER: Lord God, please keep from the sin of pretence; of just trying to keep up appearances. Renew and shape me within, and free me from all hypocrisy.