A pure integrity is the quality we take first into calculation

From The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 24, p. 82, ed. Julian P. Boyd, et al. (1950).  Thomas Jefferson, Letter to John Garland Jefferson (June 15, 1792). 

I am sure that in estimating every man’s value either in private or public life, a pure integrity is the quality we take first into calculation, and that learning and talents are only the second.

This can be matched with Samuel Johnson's observation.  From The History of Rasselas, Ch. 41 (1759) by Samuel Johnson.

Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.