How can I live with dignity?
Isaiah 45:16All craftsmen who make idols will be humiliated. They will all be disgraced together.
James 4:10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
By recognizing who created us, the source of our dignity, we will live in God’s presence, by his power, and for his purpose. This is how to live a life of dignity. If we choose to live for anything less than God, we lose our dignity and become lower than whatever we have chosen to worship.
Proverbs 1:3Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
Proverbs 3:1-5My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
If we are obedient to God’s Word and seek to follow his calling, we demonstrate true dignity.
Proverbs 21:21Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Ephesians 5:1-2Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Pursuing love for others illustrates what dignity is all about.
Proverbs 2:7-9He [the Lord] grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
Proverbs 3:13-16, 21-22, 35Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. . . . My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. . . . The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!
Proverbs 4:8If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 13:15A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.
Pursuing God’s wisdom leads to a life of dignity.
1 Timothy 3:11In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
Titus 2:2Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
Titus 2:12We are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.
By exercising self-control, we demonstrate dignity.
Proverbs 20:3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Romans 12:17Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
By avoiding revenge and hostility, we protect not only the dignity of others, but our own dignity as well.
Proverbs 22:4True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Luke 14:11“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
1 Peter 5:6So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
Humility in an essential ingredient for living a life of dignity. It also enables us to offer dignity to others.
1 Peter 2:12Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
By behaving honorably among others, we call others into lives of greater dignity.
2 Corinthians 1:12We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.
1 Timothy 1:5The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
1 Timothy 1:19Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
Hebrews 13:18Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.
1 John 3:21Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.
Maintaining a clear conscience is an important part of living a life of dignity.
Proverbs 22:1Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
Ecclesiastes 7:1A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.
By developing a good reputation, we are rewarded with lives of dignity.
Psalm 112:9They [The godly] share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
1 Timothy 5:10She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?
By giving generously and doing good to others, we demonstrate what dignity is all about.
