Chilling Words

• Give an example of someone famous who has a “bad reputation.”

• How long does a bad reputation last?

If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
Proverbs 25:9-10

“The charge against you will stand.” These are chilling words. These verses from Proverbs deal with how we are to settle conflicts. If we have a conflict with someone, we are not supposed to blab about it all over town. When we speak poorly of someone, we damage their reputation and our own. And we expose ourselves to shame — a shame that doesn’t just fade away.

Our reputation follows us. It takes a lot of time and effort to build a good reputation and one thoughtless comment can damage it. We need to think before we speak.

We are not supposed to worry about what other people think about us, but we’re also supposed to behave in such a way that gives people no cause to speak ill of us. What people say about us does matter because those outside the church may judge all Christians by the words and actions of one. Words have power. Our reputation has power. We need to guard it wisely.

PRAYER
Dear God, please help us to think before we speak and to build reputations that honor and glorify you. Amen.