What Does The Bible Say About Reputation?

What Does The Bible Say About Reputation? Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, / Favor is better than silver and gold.” This is a clear indication that the Bible encourages us to keep good reputations. The same is said in Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume” (NLT). It is without a doubt that the Bible is clear on the fact that a good reputation is of great value and is therefore something that we should strive to earn and maintain. It is important to understand that a reputation is built over time as others evaluate our life choices and determine who we are based on how we behave.

Although we generally don’t like the idea of being judged, the fact is that we are always “judging” each other as a way of determining who is trustworthy and who is not. Behold, reputation is built on the judgment of others. In choosing a neighbor to watch the house in our absence, while we are gone on a trip, we are more likely to choose one with a good reputation. It is without a doubt that we won’t call for the kid down the street who is always in trouble with the law to come and be in charge of our house while we are gone on a trip. This is obviously because he/she does not have a good reputation.

On the other hand, if there is someone around who has been honest and friendly and has not given us a reason to doubt his/her character, we are more likely to place something of value under his/her care because his reputation inspires confidence and trust.

What Does The Bible Say About Reputation?

In accordance with Acts 1:8, Christians are to have as their number-one priority the work of rightly representing Christ to this lost and broken world. And because Jesus is honest, trustworthy, kind, loyal, loving, merciful, and honorable, we should strive to be those things as well (Ephesians 5:1), for such are the qualities that contribute to a good and lasting reputation. It is worth pointing to the fact that people evaluate the worthiness of our message based on our reputation as people of character. A poor reputation taints our message. Hatred. dishonesty, gossip, greed, and hypocrisy damage our testimonies and do not reflect the character of Jesus. Many will not heed our words when our reputations do not match what we claim to believe in our hearts.

One is likely to ask, what is a good reputation? and how do we maintain a good reputation? In simple terms, people with good reputations are those who live with integrity. That is, their private lives match their public personas. There are no hidden agendas, double lives, or dishonest practices. Such people live authentically, and, when they sin, they are quick in making it right with those they offended (Matthew 5:23–24). Such people keep their word, treat others respectfully, and accept their responsibilities despite the challenges they are facing. Also, they treat their families well, and, because they are consistent, others know what to expect of them. In addition, those with good reputations usually care very much about keeping their reputations intact.

What Does The Scriptures Say About Reputation?

There is much that the Scriptures say about reputation. We are all called to keep a good reputation in the eyes of the watching world. Emphasis is laid on pastors who are expected to lead by words and actions. Among the elder’s qualifications is that “he must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap” (1 Timothy 3:7). It is not only what believers say about their pastor that counts; it’s what the unsaved are saying, too. In a pastor’s ministry, credibility within and outside the church is very important. If a pastor loses credibility in the face of those he is trying to bring into the light of Christ, then he brings reproach upon his office, his message, and his Lord. The world needs to see pastors who are upright, honorable, real, self-controlled, merciful, and loving.

The story of Paul and Silas points to a good reputation. When they were passing through Lystra during Paul’s second missionary journey, they found a disciple named Timothy (Acts 16:1). Verse 3 speaks of Apostle Paul who wanted Timothy to accompany him on his missionary journeys and be of a helping hand in the ministerial work. Behold, Timothy left home and followed Paul, thereby beginning a lifelong friendship. One of the main reasons behind Paul’s decision to select Timothy for ministry work is in verse 2: “The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of [Timothy].” In other words, we are saying that Apostle Paul selected Timothy to accompany him for ministry work due to his good reputation. Those around Timothy spoke well of him in the light of the Gospel.

More on what the Scriptures say about Reputation

It is rather unfortunate that there are times when our reputations are tarnished through no fault of our own. Gossip, Lies, and slander can cast a shadow over the most stellar of reputations. In such times, we as Christians are expected to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:7 says that Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (KJV). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, knew clearly that, when he left His throne room of Heaven to come to Earth as a man, His exalted reputation would not follow Him. That is, His rights to be worshiped, praised, and adored had to be set aside in order to accomplish God’s higher goal.

Christ left His reputation behind and entered a world where He would be misunderstood, disgraced, mocked, and lied about (Matthew 26:59–60). The Son was willing to entrust His reputation to His Father, and, whenever we are disgraced, lied about, mocked, and wrongly accused, we can do the same (1 Peter 2:22–23). Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” As followers of Christ, we seek ways to do good thereby proving ourselves to be people of virtuous character, and making others to trust us. We avoid being stained by the world (James 1:27). God wants us to live in a way that those who know us won’t believe the slander. “Your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you” (1 Peter 2:15, NLT).

Ways to build and maintain a good reputation

Love and treat others as you do for yourself and your household
Go out of your way to help others reach their goals
Make other people look good
Go a step beyond what is expected
Pay attention to your body language
Be consistent
Act with integrity
Get engaged with your community
Be likable
Meet deadlines
Come up with ideas to improve something
Express appreciation to someone who helps
Give credit to others
Be careful about complaining
Welcome new co-workers
Come up with solutions for problems
Offer suggestions so that others don’t trip themselves up
If you spot a problem, propose a solution
Admit it when you are wrong
Step back to get a bigger picture
Don’t always make excuses
Pay attention to details
Avoid having someone remind you
Always remember to thank those who help you
Appreciate someone who does a good job
Welcome challenges
Smile more
Forgive those who hurt you
Do good to those who hate you
Stand courageous for the truth

What Does The Bible Say About Reputation?

Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”

Philippians 2:7 – “But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.“

Ecclesiastes 7:1 – “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.”

1 Peter 2:12 – “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 10:1 – “Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.”

Proverbs 10:7 – “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

1 Timothy 3:7 – “Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

ALSO READ What Does The Bible Say About Man?

Group 1 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Acts 16:2 – “He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.“

1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Philippians 4:5 – “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;“

2 Timothy 3:3-4 – “Heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,”

Matthew 7:17 – “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.”

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

1 Timothy 3:2-7 – “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. …“

Group 2 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Psalm 27:1-14 – “Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. …“

1 Peter 1:14 – “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,“

Luke 1:37 – “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

James 3:10-12 – “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.“

John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Group 3 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Revelation 3:1 – “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

1 Corinthians 4:1 – “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.“

Proverbs 20:11 – “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.“

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Acts 17:10-11 – “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.“

1 Peter 2:11-12 – “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

Group 4 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Isaiah 43:6-7 – “I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Proverbs 26:18-19 – “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”“

Philippians 2:29 – “So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,“

Proverbs 12:26 – “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.“

Philippians 1:27 – “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,”

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Group 5 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Ecclesiastes 7:1-8 – “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. ...”

Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?“

Acts 24:16 – “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”

Acts 6:1-3 – “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.“

Titus 2:6-8 – “Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

John 8:44 – “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Proverbs 13:20 – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

ALSO READ What Does The Bible Say About Community?

Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Proverbs 22:1-29 – “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. ...”

Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.“

Romans 12:17 – “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.“

Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”

2 Corinthians 6:3 – “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,”

Ephesians 5:1 – “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”

Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Revelation 1:1-20 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. …“

Ecclesiastes 7:1-29 – “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. …“

Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

John 8:12 – Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

1 Timothy 3:2 – “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”

Proverbs 3:1-4 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.“

Philippians 2:6 – “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,“

Acts 6:3 – “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.“

Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

Romans 2:23-24 – You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Ruth 2:1-13 – “Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.” Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” …“

Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Acts 5:34 – “But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.”

Romans 14:17-18 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.”

Revelation 3:5 – “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”

Revelation 3:1-2 – “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.”

Galatians 2:2 – “I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.“

ALSO READ What Does The Bible Say About Cursing Your Children?

Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Matthew 7:12 – “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 26:59 – “Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,”

Revelation 3:12 – “The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.“

Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Exodus 20:5 – “You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,”

1 John 4:8 – “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.“

Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Proverbs 23:1-35 – “When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. …“

1 Timothy 5:10 – “And having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.”

1 Peter 2:22 – “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.”

1 Corinthians 5:11 – “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.”

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Hebrews 11:2 – “For by it the people of old received their commendation.”

Proverbs 26:28 – “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.“

Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Colossians 4:1-18 – “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ...”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Proverbs 21:1-31 – “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. ...”

Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

John 1:47 – Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”

Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.“

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Proverbs 11:9 – “With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.”

Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Group 16 – What Does The Bible Say About Reputation

Galatians 6:3 – “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

1 Timothy 3:8 – “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.“

Romans 5:4 – “And endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”

1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “Abstain from every form of evil.”

Ephesians 4:22 – “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,”