A good reputation is quite fragile, especially in our age of rapid communication and mass media. It only takes being in the wrong place at the wrong time for someone to ruin their reputation.

Our reputation is not something to be taken lightly. It’s a treasure to cherish and protect.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1).

“A good reputation is better than fine perfume” (Ecclesiastes 7:1).

Someone who neglects their reputation may never aspire to have their credibility recognized. Our reputation can be ruined by the evil we do, by the people we associate with, or by disparaging words spoken against us. In all three cases, evil is always at play. A regrettable lawsuit, a circulating rumor, a bad influence, a negative newspaper article can be enough to destroy everything a person has worked for their whole life. Prayer is our only means of defense.

My husband was quite concerned about his reputation when he was misquoted in a newspaper with false statements attributed to him. Aware of the damage it could cause, we contacted those who could be hurt by these misrepresented statements to tell them the truth. Of course, we couldn’t call everyone, so we prayed that God would guide us to call those who needed to be called and that God would put an end to these things.

It turns out that what could have become a wildfire died down in a day or two. Things could have easily escalated and consumed us. I am convinced that it was the power of God that kept us in response to prayer. The Bible says that the husband of a virtuous woman is respected:

“Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land” Proverbs 31:23.

Does this happen automatically? Does every virtuous woman have the guarantee that her husband will have a good reputation? Or does she have to contribute to it?

Certainly, a man will gain some respect from others if he has a good wife, but I believe that if that’s the case, the fact that she prays for him and his reputation will contribute greatly to it. Prayer for your husband’s reputation should not be sporadic but constant. However, remember that he retains his free will. If he is not attentive to the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit, he may choose to do things his own way and get into trouble.

If that’s the case and his reputation is already tarnished, pray that God will redeem the situation and bring good out of it. He is more than capable…

This text is an excerpt from the book “The Power Of A Praying Wife” written by Stormie Omartian.

We invite you to read the following article “Prayers for His Reputation“.