Flavor #14: Integrity (Emet; Yosher; Tom; Alethes)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence, and Significance: Integrity embodies the alignment of your actions with truth, in your effort to demonstrate Healthy Adult behavior consistently (by the way, Truth and Integrity come from the same Greek word Alethes). The Hebrew term Emet signifies faithfulness and reliability, reflecting what is stable and trustworthy. Yosher denotes uprightness and straightness, emphasizing moral behavior that benefits you and others. Tom conveys completeness and innocence, highlighting a state of being that’s whole and exemplary. Together, these concepts depict integrity as a steadfast commitment to honesty and the consistent practice of undiluted and wise Healthy Adult Mode behaviors, as identified and authenticated per your value system. 

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: Integrity manifests as truthfulness in challenging situations, honoring commitments despite difficulties, and maintaining ethical standards when faced with temptations or challenging circumstances. Living with integrity results in a clear conscience, facilitates inner peace, creates trust in relationships, and cultivates a reputation of dependability. The “nutritional value” of integrity lies in its ability to build strong and trustworthy relationships marked by the continued deposit of wise and trustworthy behavior. Integrity serves as a guiding compass, directing you toward virtuous decisions that result in a life of authenticity and respect.

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “My children deserve a generous sprinkling of integrity. This involves consistently modeling honesty, admitting mistakes, and demonstrating reliability in daily interactions. It means setting clear boundaries, engaging in sincere conversations, and following through on my promises to them. By embodying these behaviors, my aim is to instill in them the value of living truthfully and ethically, as I focus on growing my own character that’s rooted in integrity.”

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.