Proverbs 10—12, 2 Corinthians 4 • Key Verse: Proverbs 10:9
One of the least-welcome return addresses on mail that comes to our homes is that of the Audit
Department, Internal Revenue Service.
Just reading those words makes us wince. Perhaps we dread the thought of gathering up all the
needed materials to answer the questions of the person assigned to examine our tax return.
Honest mistakes do happen. We can copy a figure incorrectly, miscalculate or even not.
understand what deductions are allowable or not allowable. Still, we would rather not make the
trip, returns, receipts and documentation in hand, to see the IRS agent.
The dread of an audit is worse if we know that we cheated on our return. Now the mind turns to
possible explanations for the intentional error or to wondering what the penalty might be. The
stomach churns, the mind races and dread hangs heavy in the air as the appointed day to meet
with the auditor approaches.
Solomon said, ‘The man of integrity walks securely” (10:9). This person may dread an audit but
only for the inconvenience. Other than a possible error in his math or a misunderstanding in the
tax laws, he approaches an audit with an inward security, at peace because he knows that he has
done what is right. In contrast, “he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Integrity is not a bother but a blessing. It enables a person to walk securely, even when that walk
is into the office of an auditor. Choose the secure path.
Is there an aspect of your life you live without integrity? Change that today. Choose the secure
path to walk, the one of integrity.
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in