Page 4 - What's in a NAME ?

Those who are humble, who realize they don’t know it all, who admit mistakes when they make them, who listen to advice and correction, who are concerned about others, will receive the honor of both God and man.
7. Will a diligent, hard worker who does excellent work be looked up to by others and even stand before important people? Proverbs 22:29. But what about those who are lazy and irresponsible? Proverbs 10:5, 26; 25:19.
Good grades, awards, praise and promotion usually go to those who are known as diligent, hard workers who excel in what they do! Adults respect and admire young people who are serious about their work, who are careful to do it right, who will not compromise standards of quality and excellence. Such people eventually become known by influential people. The lives of Joseph and Daniel are certainly classic examples of this.
8. So far, we have learned about the kind of actions that will earn a young person a good name. We have seen some of the many benefits that result. But what happens to the person Solomon calls a “fool”? Proverbs 3:35; 14:33, 35. Will he bring shame and reproach on his parents? Proverbs 17:21.
The fool does not enjoy the benefits of the wise person. Unless he changes his ways, he will eventually bring reproach and destruction on himself. No wise person wants to be in the company of a fool (Proverbs 13:20).
9. As a young man, did David have a good name – a sterling reputation? 1 Samuel 16:18. Did he continue to have a good name throughout the remainder of his life, enjoying the respect of God and man? 1 Samuel 18:30; Acts 13:22; 7:46.
Even as a young person, David was respected. His basic motivation in life was to obey God to the best of his ability. On many occasions, he resisted the temptation to be revengeful – to act rashly and harm Saul, the king of Israel who wanted to kill him out of jealousy. Most important of all, David was highly regarded by the almighty God Himself!
10. What kind of reputation did Jesus Christ have as a young person of age 12? Luke 2:40. Did He continue to grow in favor with God and man? Verse 52.
As a young man, Christ took life seriously and prepared Himself for His future work. The way He acted and the words He spoke earned the respect and admiration of the adults who knew Him.
What is the basic reason heroes of the Bible, such as Joseph, Ruth, Daniel, Esther, as well as David and Christ, have such good names?
As young people and adults, they worked hard to obey God and treat people with kindness and respect. They followed the principles for successful personal relationships explained in the Bible.
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