Character vs. Reputation: The Truth About Being Seen and Being True

In a world obsessed with image, learn why building godly character outweighs chasing a fleeting reputation.

Misunderstanding of the Bible truth

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1.

The key word in this verse is chosen. Don’t seek money to the point that you lose your character. People chase money no matter what it costs them in regards to their reputation. The verse is not about the money or the good name but rather the choosing.

This verse has caused me a great deal of consternation. I want people to think well of me so much that I lose sight of the issue. I think of the good name here as my reputation or how others perceive and view me. I want to be viewed a certain way and so I misread the verse for years.

The problem with reputation or how others view us is that it can change easily and quickly. Reputation does not necessarily mean you have good character. Others can destroy your reputation through defamation of character or the spreading of malicious rumors, slander, or whatever they can to tarnish the reputation of another.

We live in a digital age where spreading false or misleading content is easy. People seem eager to believe the worst about others. If someone decides to ruin another person’s good name and reputation through smear campaigns, they can cause extremely damaging opinions and destroyed reputations.

Our reputation is fragile and can be decimated. Recovery can be very difficult once the damage is done. 

So what can I choose

I can choose to build and maintain my character. My character, inner values, principles, and integrity are mine to control. No one else can get into my “Be” level. What is important to me is who I really am before God. 

My good name is not what social media says about me. It is not even what I say about myself. My good name is that I have been forgiven, cleansed, and placed into Jesus Christ and now carry the distinction of being a new creature. Old things are passed away. All things are become new.

Choose character. I was listening to an excellent John Maxwell book, like he always writes. I suggest you get a copy. In the book, he explained that you can't control what people think of you, but you can control your character; who you are.

Character is who you truly are at your core, regardless of what people perceive you to be. Reputation can be influenced and even manipulated by outward appearances, but character comes from within and is more difficult to fake long-term. A good reputation does not necessarily equate to good character, as someone can project a positive public image while lacking moral substance. Character is more consistent and enduring, while reputation is more subjective and can shift based on changing opinions. Character shapes behavior from the inside out, while reputation judges behavior from the outside in. Building character requires developing virtues like honesty, integrity, and moral courage. Building reputation is more about impression management.

In essence, reputation is how the world sees you, but character is who you are. While reputation matters, genuine respect comes from having strong, ethical character that guides one's decisions and actions, regardless of public perception. Character should be the foundation that leads to earning a positive reputation over time.

You will not give account to God for your reputation, how others perceive you. Your character is what matters before God. He knows who you really are. 

What is the difference between reputation and character

1. Reputation is based on public opinion, while character is based on individual traits and values.

2. Reputation can be easily influenced by rumors and gossip, while character is less affected by outside influences.

3. Reputation is often based on superficial attributes, while character is about deeper, internal qualities.

4. Reputation can be easily damaged or tarnished, while character is more resilient and steadfast.

5. Reputation can be temporary and fleeting, while character is long-lasting and enduring.

6. Reputation can be exaggerated or distorted, while character is more grounded in reality.

7. Reputation can be based on perception, while character is more about reality.

Bible Reputations and Character

Joseph

What did people think of Joseph after being accused and imprisoned? He was charged with attempting to sleep with Potiphar's wife. There was no trial, investigation, or defense, just a man thrown into prison.

Did anyone defend him? Did anyone tell the truth? When you read about his story in the Bible, you see it from God's perspective. God knew the truth, Joseph’s character. The Egyptian public only knew what was reported to them.

Did Joseph's character suffer, or did his reputation suffer from being in prison? Joseph was a man of great character who dealt with whatever came his way. His reputation might have been tarnished, but not him. 

Naboth

When Ahab wants Naboth’s property the wicked queen Jezabel pulls a “cancel culture” move on Naboth. She sees to it that he is falsely accused, placed on trial, and then executed. His property is confiscated and Ahab gets what he wanted.

Naboth’s reputation is destroyed. His family is destroyed. No one steps in to defend Naboth. But see this, his character has not changed. he actually dies because of being such a man of character.

There is a a definite difference between character and reputation as you can see in this story.

Job

Job’s friends spend the entire book telling him that he deserves to be punished by God. They explain that he has been harboring secret sins. Job repeatedly defends his integrity and character, but to no avail. His friends are ready to accuse and condemn but not to listen or believe him.

Then God Himself steps in and tells Job’s friends that Job is not guilty of secret sin. If you see the story from God’s perspective, you know that the story never dealt with Job’s sin, but God is so pleased with Job that he and the devil basically bet on Job’s character. 

Current problems

How many pastors stand and preach when they just left the porn on their computer. They have an excellent reputation, but their character may not measure up. How many Christian businessmen cheat on their taxes, take advantage of their employees, and covet money while maintaining a good reputation? 

So, reputation and character are not the same. John Maxwell helped me see that this week. It has helped me, and I hope it helps you.

Living in a cancel culture and a woke world makes it easy to destroy a reputation, but character stands the test of time.

Build your character. Leave your reputation to the Lord.