If terrorist attacks, pandemics and violent riots have made population density dangerous, the internet has rendered it largely unnecessary. There’s no need to travel to shop at the most exclusive stores or go to the library or even to attend a university. Millions of books have been scanned and are thus available everywhere, advanced degrees can be earned online, and any material desire can instantly be satisfied with a few clicks of your mouse – as long as you are willing to provide your credit card number, of course.

The internet has even eroded the last remaining benefit of big city life: its relative anonymity. With the advent of cellphone cameras and their ability to take videos, we are all living in a small town again, constantly surrounded by everyone we know. In spite of the increasing cries for privacy rights to be restored and respected, the only real way to get along in the modern world is to pursue integrity: since we’re all living in a fishbowl, we simply have to behave in ways that we don’t mind other people knowing about.

Solomon would agree. He says, “It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right” (Proverbs 20:11). And the blessings of living in such an obviously godly way are lasting: “A righteous man who walks in his integrity – How blessed are his sons after him” (Proverbs 20:7).

In fact, this sort of integrity is the only firm foundation on which any human society can be built. Solomon affirms that kings have the responsibility to rule justly, applying the rule of law equally to all people (Proverbs 20:8): that’s the only way evil can ever be defeated. Moreover, the only way to have a stable economy and a responsive marketplace is to have consistent weights and measures, truth and transparency in all economic transactions (Proverbs 20:10).

Yes, because God has given all of us eyes and ears to see and hear, it just doesn’t make any sense to think we can do wrong without eventually being caught (Proverbs 20:12). So, why don’t we begin by acknowledging our sin to God? After all, none of us can pretend to be innocent (Proverbs 20:9). And then, let’s seek to live in a way that is consistent with our profession of faith, a life filled with love for God and thus with love for others. And if other people see us living in such a humble and loving way, surely we won’t mind.

Proverbs 20:6-12 (NASB)

6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?
7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity– How blessed are his sons after him.
8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin “?
10 Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the LORD.
11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made both of them.