Embarrassed

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4

You fall on your face in front of a crowd of people, and your dress goes over your head. Your body makes a noise at a dinner party at a moment when all is silent. Your private sin is broadcast in public. You run to the store in your kick-around clothes and a ball cap and see the man of your dreams. You say or do something stupid, and the people you want most to impress are there to witness it. Embarrassed? Sure.

But some choices go beyond embarrassment; they bring shame, dishonor, or hurt to those you love, including God.

To dishonor means to treat in a degrading manner or to bring shame on someone.^a Dishonor maligns your character, the character of God, or what is true of God because your choice is so contrary to the character of God.

What kinds of things dishonor God?

• Bragging, especially false bravado, brings shame. (Proverbs 13:5)
• Robbing your own parents or acting in a way to drive away your family. (Proverbs 19:26)
• Breaking the law. (Romans 2:23)
• Allowing your hormones to make your choices rather than your intellect, then glorying in the wrongdoing. (Philippians 3:19)
• Losing self-control, not being pure, and not submitting to your husband and the marriage vows you took. (Titus 2:5)