Monday, August 17, 2009
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches. To be esteemed is better than gold.
GOD'S GIFT OF A GOOD NAME
So writes King Solomon in Proverbs. Under the Spirit's inspiration he speaks of the exceeding value of a good name. A good name is exceedingly precious for it determines whether or not other people will respect and trust us (a blessing we all desire to have and to retain). Therefore our heavenly Father counsels us, His children, to avoid any kind of speech or conversation that could damage our neighbor's good name or reputation.
We are glad to receive this reminder from our Father because, ever since the Fall, our sinful nature is inclined in the direction of using our tongues in non-loving ways. "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:7-8). As a tiny spark can kindle a blaze that grows into a forest fire that burns downs thousands of acres of trees, the tongue can inflict extensive damage upon others. Engaging in uncharitable gossip is like taking a pillow filled with goose down, ripping it open, and exposing it to the blowing wind. The wind picks up the feathers and carries them all over so that it's impossible to retrieve them. If a person steals money from a another, he can pay it all back, but if he has started an uncharitable rumor, he may repent of it and do his best to halt its spread, but usually he finds that his thoughtless words of idle gossip have sprouted wings and flown to many different places, most of them beyond his reach.
Therefore we pray: Heavenly Father, help me to avoid speaking in ways that damage my neighbor's good name and reputation. In the petty faults and foibles I detect in him, help me to ignore them and to let love cover over a multitude of sins. When concern for Your Truth and the spiritual welfare of my neighbor requires that I speak about a sin he has done, move me to go to him privately in a humble, loving spirit to point out his sin and lead him to repentance, that I might share with him Your comforting word of forgiveness. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
