Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of a good reputation? Job’s Snapshot of Honor “For the ear heard and blessed me, and the eye saw and testified in my favor.” (Job 29:11) Job recalls a time when his life spoke so loudly of righteousness that both “ear” and “eye” affirmed him. Scripture keeps echoing that theme—character that wins respect matters to God and to a watching world. A Good Name in the Wisdom Books • Proverbs 22:1 — “A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.” • Ecclesiastes 7:1 — “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death is better than the day of birth.” • Proverbs 3:3-4 — “Never let loving devotion and faithfulness leave you… Then you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” These verses anchor the truth that reputation, grounded in covenant love and integrity, surpasses material gain or even life’s finest pleasures. Leadership Qualifications that Safeguard the Church • 1 Timothy 3:7 — “Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.” • Titus 1:6-7 — “An elder must be blameless… For the overseer must be blameless, as a steward of God…” God requires those who represent Him publicly to possess unimpeachable character privately and publicly. A tarnished name opens a door for the enemy; a clean one protects both leader and flock. Everyday Witness Before the World • 1 Peter 2:12 — “Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” • Colossians 4:5 — “Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.” • 2 Corinthians 8:21 — “For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 — “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life… so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one.” Our daily conduct should silence slander, magnetize people toward the gospel, and demonstrate practical reliability. Reputation and God’s Glory • Matthew 5:16 — “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” • Philippians 2:15 — “…that you may be blameless and pure… in which you shine as lights in the world.” • 3 John 12 — “Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself.” A good reputation isn’t self-promotion; it’s a spotlight that points back to the Father. When believers live blamelessly, God’s character is put on display. Living Out What We’ve Learned • Guard the heart; reputation flows from within. • Choose integrity over short-term advantage—every time. • Let kindness and faithfulness be visible habits, not hidden intentions. • Remember that outsiders often judge the truth of the gospel by the consistency of its followers. • Rest in the promise that when a life is truly righteous, “ear” and “eye” will eventually bear witness, just as they did for Job. |
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