Q. Who ought to maintain and promote their own good name? — A. All men, especially ministers, magistrates, and professors, Luke 1:6; Sam. 23:4.

Q. Why ought ministers, magistrates, and professors, especially to maintain and promote their own good name? — A. Because the blemishes in their character principally tend to the blasphemy of God’s name, and do harden others in their sin, 2 Sam. 12:14.

Q. In respect of whom are we to maintain and promote our neighbor’s good name? — A. In respect of ourselves and others, Rom. 12:19, 1 Sam. 23:14.

John Brown of Haddington, Questions and Answers on the Shorter Catechism, 266.