AVOIDING SHAME

 “Save me from all my sins, and don't let fools make fun of me." Psalm 39:8 GNT 

No one desires shame. Deep in every heart is the desire to be honored, respected, and remembered with dignity. People labor daily to build a name for themselves, their families, their companies, and even their nations. Countless sacrifices are made to earn respect and be seen as successful, wise, and strong.

Honor and respect are not accidental. They are built with years of consistency, discipline, and achievement. However, sometimes, in a moment, all that seems solid can fall apart. Reputations crumble, companies collapse, and even great nations fall into disgrace. People once honored become objects of mockery. How does such a change happen?

Psalm 39:8 gives us insight: it is because of sin and iniquities. We work hard to build our names, but if we forget righteousness, our efforts stand on a weak foundation. Sin is destructive. No matter how high someone rises, sin can pull them down. A person can fall so low that even fools—those who praise evil and mock righteousness—laugh at them. David, in this prayer, knew the deep pain of being mocked by fools. That is the worst kind of shame, because fools rarely mock sin; they often celebrate it. So, for a fool to mock you, it means your fall is tragic and deep.

But the Bible gives hope: a righteous man will never be ashamed. God protects those who walk in His ways. The path to lasting honor is not through talent or effort alone, but through righteousness. Proverbs reminds us: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

So if you want to avoid shame and walk in lasting honor, choose righteousness. Let God be your foundation. Let holiness guard your legacy. Achievements built on sin will fall, but those built on righteousness will stand forever.