I was concerned for my holy reputation ¹  which the house of Israel profaned among the nations where they went.

But carefully select from among you, brothers, ¹  seven ²  men who are well-attested, ³  full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge ⁴  of this necessary task. ⁵ 

He has stripped me of my honor and has taken the crown off my head. ¹ 

O Lord, our Lord, ¹  how magnificent ²  is your reputation ³  throughout the earth! ⁴ 

When I tripped, they taunted me relentlessly, ¹  and tried to bite me. ² 

Sing praises about the majesty of his reputation! ¹  Give him the honor he deserves! ² 

But you, O Lord, rule forever, ¹  and your reputation endures. ² 

For he will never be upended; others will always remember one who is just. ¹ 

O Lord, your name endures, ¹  your reputation, O Lord, lasts. ² 

He will be beaten and despised, ¹  and his reproach will not be wiped away; ² 

The memory ¹  of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation ²  of the wicked will rot. ³ 

Now all the tax collectors ¹  and sinners were coming ²  to hear him.

The brothers in Lystra ¹  and Iconium ²  spoke well ³  of him. ⁴ 

So welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,

accusing her of impropriety ¹  and defaming her reputation ²  by saying, “I married this woman but when I had sexual relations ³  with her I discovered she was not a virgin!”

When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will turn against us and destroy the very memory of us ¹  from the earth. What will you do to protect your great reputation?” ² 

These were the leaders of their families: ¹  Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were skilled warriors, men of reputation, ²  and leaders of their families.

Like an animal that goes down into a valley to graze, ¹  so the Spirit of the Lord granted them rest. In this way ²  you guided your people, gaining for yourself an honored reputation. ³ 

Select wise and practical ¹  men, those known among your tribes, whom I may appoint as your leaders.”

I will shield this city and rescue it for the sake of my reputation and because of my promise to David my servant.’” ¹