Trust in an Imperfect World

The Basis of Integrity

King David of Israel made many mistakes including his well-documented adulterous relationship with Bath-sheba. ( 2 Samuel 11:1-27) David's many failings served to highlight that he was far from perfect. What, though, did Jehovah see in the man? Addressing David's son, Solomon, Jehovah said: "Walk before me, just as David your father walked , with integrity of heart and with uprightness." (1 Kings 9:4) Despite his may mistakes, David's basic trustworthiness was recognized by Jehovah. Why?"

David gave the answer when he told Solomon: "All hearts Jehovah is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning." ( 1 Chronicles 28:9) David made mistakes, but he was humble, and he wanted to do what was right. He consistently accepted reproof and correction-indeed, he asked for it. "Examine me, O Jehovah, and put me to the test; refine my kidneys and my heart: was his request. (Psalm 26:2) And refined David was. The constraints resulting from his sin with Bath-sheba, for example, lasted until the end of his life. Still, David never tried to justify his wrongdoing. (2 Samuel 12:1-2) More important, he never swerved from true worship. For this reason, and because of David's genuine, heartfelt contrition and repentance, Jehovah was prepared to forgive his sins and accept him as a man of integrity. -See also Psalm 51.

Next time:Trustworthy Under Test

Watchtower, 1997