Your parents gave you a name at birth, but what that name
can come to mean into the future—is mostly determined by you.
How important is it to make [a good name] for yourself?
What Kind of an Ambassador Are You?
Paul responded with a challenge: (2 Corinthians 13:5).
-Take a good look at yourself, Paul says.
It is also needed to ask for God’s guidance.
2Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
-When people think of [your name], they think of [your reputation].
1A good name is rather to be chosen than great
riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
1A good name is better than precious ointment;
and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
-It's possible for your actions to bring shame to other people,
bringing shame to your parents and to your family name.
26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother,
is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a
companion of riotous men shameth his father.
-Your actions can improve the reputations of other people.
You can bring honor to your parents and the family name.
24The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that
begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. 25Thy father and
thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
-How can you improve your name and reputation?
Proverbs 21:21; Proverbs 11:27; Proverbs 14:9.
How can you harm your reputation?
Proverbs 12:8; Proverbs 13:5.
-If someone steals, he gets a reputation as a thief. They are known by their fruits/actions.
People can tell whether your actions are. worthy of a good reputation or not.
11Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure,
and whether it be right.
-A person who does diligent work will be looked up to by others
29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand
before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that
sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
so is the sluggard to them that send him.
-Gossip can harm someone else’s good name.
21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire;
so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
-How did King David handle people who slandered other people’s names?
5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:
him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
-You can improve your reputation by simply keeping certain things to yourself.
28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise:
and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
6Blessings are upon the head of the just:
but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
-Speaking about your own goodness does not enhance your reputation.
6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness:
but a faithful man who can find?
2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth;
a stranger, and not thine own lips.
-How do we obtain a good name and honor God
23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour
shall uphold the humble in spirit.
4By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches,
and honour, and life.
- Make sure your “doings” are pure and right. Focus on living virtuously,
and “let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth.”
As a young man, David had a good reputation 1 Samuel 16:18.
He maintained that reputation throughout his life, finding
favor with God and man . 1 Samuel 18:30; Acts 13:22; 7:46.
“Ponder the path of thy feet,
and let all thy ways be established”
