A good reputation is highly valued in the Bible, reflecting one's character and standing within the community. It is often associated with wisdom, integrity, and righteousness, and is considered a blessing from God. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of maintaining a good reputation as a testimony to one's faith and as a means of glorifying God.

Biblical Importance of a Good Reputation

1. Proverbs on Reputation: The Book of Proverbs frequently highlights the value of a good reputation. Proverbs 22:1 states, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold." This verse underscores the idea that a good reputation is more valuable than material wealth, as it reflects one's moral and ethical standing.

2. New Testament Teachings: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul advises believers to live in a manner that earns respect from outsiders. In 1 Timothy 3:7, Paul instructs that a church leader "must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil." This highlights the importance of a good reputation not only within the church but also in the broader community.

3. Jesus and Reputation: Jesus Himself was concerned with reputation, as seen in His teachings about being the light of the world. In Matthew 5:16, He says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Here, a good reputation serves as a witness to God's glory.

Characteristics of a Good Reputation

1. Integrity and Honesty: A good reputation is built on integrity and honesty. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them." Integrity involves consistency in moral and ethical principles, which fosters trust and respect.

2. Wisdom and Understanding: Wisdom is closely linked to a good reputation. Proverbs 3:4 advises, "Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man." Wisdom leads to sound decision-making and understanding, which enhances one's reputation.

3. Righteousness and Godliness: A reputation for righteousness is esteemed in the Bible. Psalm 112:6 declares, "Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever." Righteousness involves living in accordance with God's laws and commands, which contributes to a lasting and honorable reputation.

Consequences of a Good Reputation

1. Favor and Influence: A good reputation brings favor and influence. Proverbs 3:3-4 says, "Let kindness and truth never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man." This favor can open doors for opportunities and relationships that further God's kingdom.

2. Protection and Security: A good reputation can serve as a form of protection. Ecclesiastes 7:1 notes, "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." A well-regarded reputation can shield one from false accusations and provide a legacy that endures beyond one's lifetime.

3. Witness to the Gospel: A good reputation is a powerful witness to the Gospel. 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." A good reputation can lead others to Christ by exemplifying the transformative power of the Gospel.

In summary, a good reputation is a reflection of one's character and faith, serving as a testament to God's work in an individual's life. It is a valuable asset that brings favor, protection, and opportunities to witness for Christ.Proverbs 22:1
A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Nave's Topical Index

5195. hubrizo -- to run riot, to outrage, insult
... 5196 , "an injury, reproach") -- properly, to seize (steal); (figuratively) to injure,
bring loss, especially to damage someone's reputation (good name, honor ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5195.htm - 7k

1380. dokeo -- to have an opinion, to seem
... 2), supposes (1), supposing (4), think (18), thinking (1), thinks (6),
thought (4). be of reputation, seem good, suppose, think. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1380.htm - 9k

3140. martureo -- to bear witness, testify
... 1), attested (1), bear...witness (1), bear witness (1), continued to testify (1),
gained approval (2), given (1), gives (1), good reputation (1), having a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3140.htm - 10k

987. blasphemeo -- to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely ...
... 987 (from , "sluggish, slow" and 5345 , "reputation, fame") -- properly, to acknowledge
good (worthy of respect, veneration); hence, to which moral values. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/987.htm - 9k

Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor.
... Therefore God wishes the reputation, good name, and upright character of our neighbor
to be taken away or diminished as little as his money and possessions ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not bear false.htm

What Good Does it do Me that He Declares on his Oath that it was ...
... of the multitude, and do more harm to me by his praise than good to himself ... my friend
who accuses Origen, and who is so careful of my reputation, declares that ...
/.../2 what good does it.htm

An Unanswerable Question.
... Thus you are no doubt sensitive, almost every one of you, about the good reputation
of your school or your house, or any society with which you may happen to ...
/.../percival/sermons at rugby/viii an unanswerable question.htm

Of Detraction.
... 5. But we need no foreign Mediums to discover the value of a good name: let ... It makes
them really forfeit that virtue from when all true reputation springs, and ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iv of detraction.htm

The Children's Patrimony.
... this invaluable blessing, there is given to him more than earthly treasure, more
than pecuniary competency, more than a good name, or a fair reputation, or a ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiv the childrens patrimony.htm

Of Works of Charity
... Without charity no work profiteth, but whatsoever is done in charity, however small
and of no reputation it be, bringeth forth good fruit; for God verily ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xv of works of.htm

The Handwriting Blotted Out
... When we hear of some one who has had a lifelong reputation for good character and
consistent living, suddenly falling into some shameful sin, we are shocked ...
/.../moody/weighed and wanting/the handwriting blotted out.htm

Nothing Has Greater Effect in Gaining Good-Will than Giving Advice ...
... To a man of this sort then we entrust our safety and our reputation, for he is ... mercy
and lendeth." [448] What the just lends, he says elsewhere: "A good man is ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii nothing has greater.htm

Parable of the Good Samaritan.
... to give the best answer he knew or sully his own reputation for knowledge. ... neighbor,"
Jesus had incarnated the law of neighborliness in the good Samaritan, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxiv parable of the good.htm

The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
... of a preacher an occasion whereby to promote their own interest or reputation, may,
perhaps ... influenced by a regard to the glory of God, and to the good of souls ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxi the gospel message.htm

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