Topical Bible: Keeping a Good Name

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Definition and Importance
In biblical terms, a "good name" refers to one's reputation and character, which are highly valued in Scripture. A good name is considered more desirable than great riches, as it reflects one's integrity, trustworthiness, and moral standing before God and others.

Biblical References
Proverbs 22:1 states, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold." This verse highlights the intrinsic value of a good reputation, suggesting that it surpasses material wealth in importance. Ecclesiastes 7:1 echoes this sentiment: "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." Here, the comparison to fine perfume suggests that a good name leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Character and Conduct
The Bible emphasizes that a good name is built through righteous living and adherence to God's commandments. In 1 Peter 2:12, believers are encouraged to "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." This passage underscores the importance of maintaining a good name through honorable conduct, even in the face of false accusations.

Integrity and Honesty
Integrity and honesty are foundational to keeping a good name. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." A life marked by integrity ensures that one's reputation remains untarnished. Similarly, Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." Honesty is a key component in maintaining a good name before God and man.

Impact on Relationships
A good name positively influences relationships, fostering trust and respect. In the context of leadership, 1 Timothy 3:7 advises that a church overseer "must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil." This requirement for leaders highlights the broader principle that a good name enhances one's ability to lead and serve effectively.

Consequences of a Tarnished Name
Conversely, a tarnished name can lead to loss of trust and opportunities. Proverbs 10:7 warns, "The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." This stark contrast illustrates the enduring impact of one's reputation, whether positive or negative.

Practical Steps to Maintain a Good Name
To maintain a good name, believers are encouraged to live according to biblical principles, seek wisdom, and practice humility. James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Seeking divine guidance helps in making decisions that uphold one's reputation. Additionally, Micah 6:8 provides a succinct summary of righteous living: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Conclusion
While the Bible does not provide a direct conclusion on the topic, the overarching message is clear: a good name is a valuable asset that reflects one's character and relationship with God. By living a life of integrity, honesty, and righteousness, believers can maintain a good name that honors God and positively impacts those around them.

Topical Bible Verses

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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Matthew 5:19
Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
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John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commandments.
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Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
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Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
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Jude 1:3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
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Library

What are the Duties Required in the Ninth Commandment?
... them; discouraging talebearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our
own good name, and defending it when need requires; keeping of lawful promises ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 144 0 0 what are the.htm

A Good Man's Faults
... does, and in the band of friends who surrounded the great Apostle, the name of his ...
into a form of Judaism"all for the sake of keeping on good terms with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a good mans faults.htm

Keeping and Kept
... The inherent weakness of all attempts at self-keeping is that ... Our wills are lamed
for good, and the world has ... writer of this Book of Proverbs the name of God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/keeping and kept.htm

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ...
... and build our own estimation upon the ruins of another's good name, hypocrisy and ...
The keeping of faults long above ground unburied, doth make them cast forth ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iv we shall not.htm

The Good Samaritan
... Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact ... there is practical self-sacrifice
for the good of others ... not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 54 the good samaritan.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... introduces, all kinds of works, with whatever name adorned, are ... were swimming between
two streams; that they preferred keeping their good reputation in ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

Psalm LIV.
... 4. "O God, in Thy name make me safe, and in Thy virtue judge me" (ver.1). Let the
Church ... Let the Christian body say this, keeping secret the good of its ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm liv.htm

The Broad Wall
... Another good reason for keeping up the broad wall of ... is, that you will do most good
to the ... if you keep yourselves to yourselves in Christ's name, chaste and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the broad wall.htm

Acts iv. 1
... I do not want to hinder you from keeping God always in ... Great good would this have
done us, if we had called upon God ... And yet it is the same God, the same Name. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily x acts iv 1.htm

His Name --The Mighty God
... that Christ could not have been a good and great ... two or three are gathered together
in Christ's name, there is he ... If you can commit the keeping of your soul to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/his namethe mighty god.htm