TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD:, Week of December 18 to 24, 2023, Do you have a reputation like Job's?”, Prepared Speech.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD:, December 18-24, 2023, Do you have a reputation like Job's?”, Prepared Speech. 

“Do you have a reputation like Job's?” (10 mins.).

Over time, people's names have been very important in ancient times. For example most names were adjusted or changed to convey a particular idea.

In the first century this same practice continued, an example is the case of Joseph whom the apostles called Barnabas, which translated meant "Son of comfort" and that was in honor of his name, because he provided material help and spiritual comfort. To many people then son of consolation was very appropriate in their case.

As for the name, it is interesting what Solomon said in Proverbs 22:1, a good reputation or a good man is preferable to great riches. That's right, few things are as valuable as enjoying a good reputation in the eyes of others.

From this idea comes the title of the speech precisely: "You have a reputation like Job's." Notice what the Bible says about the good man or good reputation that Job had. Let's read Job 29 7 to 11. It says like this... …

LET'S READ JOB 29:7-11.

When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the square,8 the young people saw me and made way for me, and even the elderly got up and remained standing. 9 The princes were silent, they covered their mouths with their hands. 10 The voices of the important men became silent, their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. 11  Everyone who heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me testified in my favor.

If you noticed, Job had earned the respect of the people, he not only lived righteously but also treated others with dignity and respect, Job's life teaches us that a reputation built on kindness and integrity can earn the respect of those around them. That was the reputation of this man of integrity and goodness. And notice how he continues to describe his personality in the following text: Job 29 12 and 13, If he found it, accompany me with the reading, please it says like this ……… ..

LET'S READ JOB 29:12,13.

Because I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and also the orphan and the one who had no one to help him. 13  He who was about to die blessed me, and I filled the widow's heart with joy.

Job was known for his love and compassion toward the poor, orphans, and those without support. Job was a beacon of kindness who brought joy to the hearts of widows and received blessings from those on the brink of death. For example, the sister that we see in the image of our activity guide gives us a good example to follow, as she encourages us to help our siblings when they need it, being aware of it, as seen in the photograph, is a source of encouragement. , even to the neighbors when she preaches the good news to them, and she is very hospitable to those who visit her as you can see right there.

Proverbs 19:17 says that he who shows compassion to the needy makes a loan to Jehovah and he will reward him. Job's example challenges us to make eyes for the blind, feet for the lame, and a source of joy for the oppressed. Job 29:14, portrays precisely this man as a person adorned in righteousness. Let's read it. Job 29:14 says…….

LET'S READ JOB 29:14.

Righteousness was the clothing I put on; my righteousness was like a tunic and a turban.

The text shows that his character was like a garment precisely, his righteousness a tunic and a turban. Symbolically these garments signified identity and purpose. Similarly our spiritual clothing defines our allegiance and defines our Theocratic activities. 

As we can see, Job's symbolic garments challenge us to maintain our integrity as faithful witnesses of the true God Jehovah. What is the lesson? Job's example shows us the value of a good reputation, and that is in harmony with Proverbs 20:11, which reminds us that although we do not choose our name given at birth, we have the power to shape the reputation we carry. Notice how the wise King Solomon stated it in Proverbs 22:1, Let us also seek him Proverbs 22:1 says…..

LET'S READ PROVERBS 22:1.

A good reputation is preferable to great wealth; Being respected is better than having silver and gold.

Brothers, let us reflect on the qualities that others would use to describe us and strive to be individuals who consistently do the right thing. Let's ask ourselves this poignant question: What qualities would others describe me with? We ask the question again: What qualities would others describe me with?

In pursuit of a good name and a fair reputation, let us cultivate the habit of doing what is right. If we do so, then we will have made a good name for ourselves before God, and he has promised that he will write in his book of remembrance the names of those who fear him, and will compensate them with eternal life in paradise on earth.