Proverbs 26:2 ... Reputation Management

² Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

Proverbs 26:2

What do companies like Coca-Cola, BMW and Nike all have in common?   They each spend a fortune on branding.  Why?  Because these companies understand the power of a good name.  Coca-Cola sells a lot of sodas because they have convinced us that “Coke is it!”  BMW sells a lot of cars because in our minds they produce “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”  And Nike sells a lot of sports apparel because whatever our sport, Nike allows us to “Just Do It!”

A Good Name…

Like the companies above, each of us values a good name.  And if we do not, we should.  Proverbs 22:1 tells us, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”  Therefore, when we are the target of unwarranted criticism, the subject of malicious gossip, or forced to be the villain in someone else’s drama…

We experience pain, frustration, disappointment and even anger (See Psalm 35).  We tend to feel that the value of our good name has been significantly diminished.  While it is tempting to feel that all is lost (or at least some of it), Proverbs 26:2 reminds us that it’s not.

Lies and Unfair Character Attacks are Ineffective Weapons

Proverbs 26:2 points out that an “underserved curse” does not come to rest.  Here’s the way I picture this verse…

A lie or an unfair attack on your character is like a nuclear missile being launched with the intent to harm you.  When’s it launched, people notice it.   

Yet, Proverbs 26:2 confirms that there’s no need to worry because unfair attacks are like missiles that lose their power before they ever hit their target.

Reputation Management

Here are few things to remember when experiencing unfair attacks on your reputation…

• Unfair Attacks are Aimed at the Best of People.  The Bible has many instances of upright men and women being the targets of lies (See Genesis 39, Exodus 16:1-3 and 1Samuel 17:1-29).  Even Jesus, the Sinless Son of God, was the subject of unfounded accusations.  Jesus was accused of Blasphemy (i.e. Having no Respect or Reverence for God – See Matthew 9:1-8); Hanging out  with the Wrong Crowd  (See Matthew 9:9-13) and Relying Upon Demonic Powers  to Achieve Success (See Matthew 9:27-43)

• The Truth Will Prevail.  Truth lives forever.  Lies have a short life span.  (See Proverbs 12:19)

• God is Still in Control.  Unfounded and Unjust Attacks provide an opportunity for God to…
• Reveal His Power (See Acts 16:16-40)
• Repair Relationships (See Proverbs 16:7)
• Restore You and Your Reputation (See Isaiah 54:17; 1 Peter 3:8-9; 1 Peter 2:21-23 and Matthew 16:24-25)

I Will Trust God to Establish, Develop and Protect My Character and Reputation!