In life we
often mix up between character and reputation. Character is the person that we
are and the person that God values. Reputation is what people think we are. But
both character and reputation are built over time. People evaluate our value
system and our behaviour before they come to a conclusion about us. If we want
to be known as a person of good character with great reputation, these verses
have many pointers to offer us.
Verse 8
describes a sensible man. He is one who is known for his insights. He has a common-sense approach to life. From
the everyday matters that he observes from life, he makes sound decision and
lives according to that decision. Hence, he is known for his judicious actions.
The people who know him acknowledge, honour and praise him. But in life, there
are people who pattern their conduct contrary to a prudent man. Such people live
with distorted understanding and have no sympathy for others. They are the
scorns of their community.
Verses 9
describes a self-made man. His work is self-motivated and does not depend on a
servant to do his task. Such a person seeks to be self-sufficient and not
afraid to do the humble tasks required of him.
He does what is required of him so that he could earn his own finance.
On the other hand, this verse tells us that there is one kind of people who put
on a show to impress others by pretending to be who he is not. We should not
try to live a life of make belief. Every one of us should appraise ourselves
rightly and live with what we have.
Verse 10 gives
us the picture of a compassionate person. He us a kind soul that has regards
for life, even that of an animal. And If he cares for the soul of an animal, a
lowly being created by God, he will likely to show compassion to man, the
highest creation of God. Being merciful and compassionate, he would feed the
animals and view animals as creatures of God and not the slaves of man. The
whole drive of this verse is to show that when a wicked man show kindness his
act is still cruel by God’s standard. He does not know how to act kindly.
Verse 11
describes a person who is not afraid of work. He is a diligent man. This person
validates hard work. Hence, he will never be lacking work. But one who pursues
meaningless unproductive activities shows a lack of sense. He shows himself as
morally depleted and has given priority to chasing meaningless activities. The
end result is poverty for him.
Verse 12 shows
us another character not worth emulating. He is the envious person. He yearns
for the goods of a wicked man, even though they are ill gotten. He will end up
with little to show for. The righteous on the other hand, will find his effort
yielding plenty. He applied the principle of honest work that brings rich
rewards. The righteous will flourish, whereas the wicked will find himself
standing on shaking ground and all that he has will soon be swept away.
One
type of personality worth emulating is described for us in Psalm one. Let’s
emulate him. He refuses to walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor takes his
stand with sinners, nor sits in fellowship with the scoffers. But his delight,
instead, is in the Law of the Lord and on it, he meditates day and night. Hence,
he finds fruitfulness in life and work. Let us seek to be like that blessed man
who is described as a tree with un-withered leaves, planted by streams of
waters and yielding its fruits in the right season. He catches the attention of
God, who knows and prospers his way. Let us be this man!
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