Proverbs 20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

• God’s names:
• YAHWEH/JEHOVAH – Self-existent, Eternal
• Yeshuwa/Iesous – Jesus
• Adonay – God’s proper name

• God’s character:
• Honest

Deceit is everywhere from the White House to the church house. People lie and cheat their way through life until what they do destroys their conscience. They no longer have qualms about cheating anyone. The only time they feel a twinge of conscience is when they get caught in their lies and deceit.

Solomon knew the games people played to gain positions. He knew their greed. He also knew that without YAHWEH everyone would lead deceitful lives. He saw the Law as a mirror and a conscience about how people were to live so that they lived with a clear conscience and not with a mouth full of gravel because of their deceitful ways.

People know how hard it is to find a person of integrity. They expect dishonesty everywhere. They don’t trust an honest person until that person proves his honesty by the life of integrity he leads.

Even the media will highlight the dishonest acts of church leadership. They become the biggest scoffers of what the church is really about because deceit even runs the church.

How do you find an honest Christian? Yeshuwa said a person would know them by their fruit — by the way they lived their lives.

Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (NKJV)

If you call yourself a Christian, people will watch everything you do. They will put your life under a magnifying glass and try to find fault with your ethics and integrity.

With so many denominations and churches, how do you find one that honors Adonay in everything? I asked myself that question when I needed to find a church. I went online and checked out the churches where I live. I listened to their sermons and then checked out the services in person. I listened to the minister, his use of Scripture. I saw the people — did they look like they were baptized in vinegar with frowns on their faces and finding fault with everything or were their smiles genuine along with their acceptance of newcomers.

When you find a church that honors Adonay in everything — their heart and their ministry are transparent, and the people are genuine in their love of Yeshuwa and each other — you find a church that honors Adonay in everything. You will find a man of integrity in the pulpit and a church worthy of the name — Christian.

When you live your life in love with Yeshuwa, your life will reflect the integrity in your heart and people will know they can trust you. You don’t live your life deceitfully, but honestly. You don’t eat the bread of deceit. You don’t need to worry about what you say or do. You won’t have gravel for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You will eat from the Master’s table — food that nourishes your soul, water that brings life because you draw it from the wells of salvation.

Are you a man or woman of integrity in the body of Christos? Examine your motives. If you need to change so you can sleep in the arms of love that only Yeshuwa can give you, pray and ask Yeshuwa to change your heart to reflect His.

Let’s pray: Father, give me Your heart, a heart that is honest and not deceitful. Let people see You when they see me. Let my life be a reflection of You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 16 June 2026 by Valerie Routhieaux