Proverbs notes two significant by-products of wise living: success and good reputation. Several verses also point out what causes failure and poor reputation.
| Qualities that promote success and a good reputation | |
| Godliness (righteousness) | 10:7; 12:3; 28:12 |
| Hating what is false | 13:5 |
| Committing all work to the Lord | 16:3 |
| Using words with restraint; being even-tempered | 17:27, 28 |
| Acquiring wisdom and cherishing understanding | 19:8 |
| Humility and fear of the Lord | 22:4 |
| Willingness to confess and forsake sin | 28:13 |
Qualities that prevent success and cause a bad reputation |
|
| Wickedness | 10:7; 12:3; 28:12 |
| Seeking honors | 25:27 |
| Hatred, especially when masked as kindness | 26:24-26 |
| Praising oneself | 27:2 |
| Concealing sin | 28:13 |
Other verses dealing with one’s reputation are 11:10, 16; 14:3; 19:10; 22:1; 23:17, 18; 24:13, 14.