“Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another; [10] Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.”
Proverbs 25:9-10 NKJV
“Your reputation be ruined.” These are chilling words. These verses 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 does not just fade away.
Folks, 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 are 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.
Our words have power. Our reputation has power. We need to guard it wisely. Remember, what Jesus said, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
The Scriptural Truth 