A quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln is a powerful one to ponder: “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Notice that while our reputation may change or shift like a shadow, our character is the substance of the tree itself—firmly rooted, easily identified by our fruit, and not swayed by every wind of change. It is something that deeply defines who we are.
Character is the quiet consistency of integrity, faith, and moral courage that stems not from willpower alone but from the indwelling goodness of God. Scripture reminds us that “there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:12 NIV). True goodness cannot be manufactured—it flows from a life transformed by God’s Spirit.
As we yield to God, his goodness begins to shape our character so that what we do outwardly reflects who He is inwardly.
Good character doesn’t begin with us; it begins with God. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). When his Spirit fills our hearts, we are enabled to live with integrity, honesty, and compassion. The more we understand God’s nature, the more our own nature changes to resemble his.
Just as light cannot help but shine, the person who abides in God’s goodness will inevitably display it in word and deed.
Few biblical figures demonstrate moral courage like Daniel. Taken captive from Judah to Babylon, Daniel faced immense pressure to conform to a pagan empire’s ways. Yet from the moment he “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 NIV), Daniel’s character distinguished him. What can we learn from the following three ways that Daniel showed excellent character?
Daniel’s refusal to eat the king’s food because it violated Jewish dietary laws was not a matter of diet but of devotion. Surrounded by compromise, he remained anchored to God’s standards. His inner conviction gave him the strength to stand when it was costly. Integrity is doing right even when no one applauds—and Daniel did so repeatedly, from interpreting dreams to praying openly despite the threat of the lions’ den.
Daniel’s prayer life reveals the steady rhythm of a man whose character was shaped by communion with God. He prayed three times a day, not out of ritual, but relationship. When character is rooted in the goodness of God, it cannot be shaken by changing laws or a hostile culture.
The Babylonians promoted Daniel because “an excellent spirit was in him” (Daniel 6:3 KJV). His wisdom, humility, and restraint bore witness to the God he served. Daniel’s life reminds us that moral excellence invites divine favor and distinguishes God’s people in dark times.
💡Reflection: Where is your integrity being tested today? Like Daniel, choose faithfulness over favor from people and conviction over convenience.
If Daniel’s life shows character under pressure, the Proverbs 31 woman reveals character in practice. She embodies what it means to live out goodness in daily life—faithful in work, family, and worship. Here are three ways she embodied excellence in her character.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity” (Proverbs 31:25 NIV). Her strength is not self-made toughness but divine grace in action. Strength of character allows her to endure challenges without bitterness, to serve without complaint, and to love without fear.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (v. 26 ESV). Her words build, not break. Her counsel reflects the goodness of God at work in her spirit. Wisdom and goodness together create credibility—people trust the person whose life aligns with truth.
Her diligence in managing her household, caring for the poor, and investing wisely (vv. 13-20) portrays a life of stewardship. Character is revealed in the ordinary—how we handle time, money, relationships, and influence. The Proverbs 31 woman teaches us that faithfulness in small things is the soil where excellence grows.
💡Reflection: What part of your daily routine could become an act of worship? Character is cultivated in the ordinary moments when we choose faithfulness over ease, lay down our weaknesses to clothe ourselves with Christ’s strength, and be led by the Spirit in our interactions.
Both Daniel and the Proverbs 31 woman demonstrate that good character is the fruit of God’s goodness within. When his Spirit fills our hearts, He produces moral excellence—honesty, purity, compassion, and perseverance. Peter’s “ladder of virtue” reminds us to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance …” (2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV). In other words, character formation is an active partnership with the Holy Spirit.
The world measures greatness by power and prestige, but God measures it by goodness.
Daniel influenced kings; the Proverbs 31 woman influenced generations—both did it through the quiet strength of godly character.
When we allow God’s goodness to shape our hearts, our words grow gentle, our actions just, and our faith steadfast. The world doesn’t need more successful people; it needs people of character—those whose inner lives shine with the radiance of God’s goodness.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 NIV
Excellence of character isn’t about perfection; it’s about reflection—reflecting the goodness of God through the consistency of a surrendered life. Like Daniel in Babylon and the Proverbs 31 woman in her home, let your integrity, diligence, and compassion display the transforming goodness of God wherever you serve.
✒️ REFLECT AND WRITE
Take a minute to journal about how Daniel or the Proverbs 31 woman inspires you to excellence and integrity. Where would you like to see excellence displayed in your life?
Coming Up: Next month, we will turn our focus to the fruit of kindness. Kindness comes alongside gratitude, so that we desire to bless others because of the rich blessings we have in Christ. We will discuss practical ways we can extend God’s kindness to those around us —friends, family, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies.
Do you want to learn how to walk in freedom and cultivate God’s goodness in your own life?
Learn more about the fruit of goodness and explore additional thought-provoking posts on our Fruit of Faith Blog. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Consider joining our BibleSpot S.T.A.R.s Discipleship Program, a 90-day intensive study and coaching program beginning in January 2026. We hope to be an encouraging part of your spiritual journey!
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