Types Of Shame
There are several types of shame. Being ‘put to shame’ refers to the objective consequences of an act – to the ruin that is brought about to a person (Ps 69:5-6; Prov 13:18). A ‘sense of shame’ is about modesty or concern about the criticism of others. It is shame before the act. ‘Being ashamed or disgraced’ is shame after the act.
Shame can have a number of sources. We can be put to shame and come to be ashamed because of such things as abuse (2 Sam 13:12-14, 19-20), mistreatment (Prov 19:26), the behavior of family members (Josh 7:20-25), discrimination, the slandering of our character, or something being unnecessarily revealed that is too private for exposure. In addition, we can bring shame on ourselves through sin (Ps 31:17; 35:4, 26), wounded pride, or display of incompetence.
As ‘ruin’, shame can give us the chance to glorify God by passing the test victoriously. Speaking negatively, shame as ruin can lead to anger or bitterness (Job 2:9). As ‘sense of shame,’ shame is able to encourage us to not engage in inappropriate behavior. Negatively, if the group has unbiblical demands, the ‘sense of shame’ can motivate us to become worldly people pleasers (Gal 1:10; Rom 12:2). As ‘disgrace,’ shame can show us areas where we need to grow out of being tied to group approval. In a negative way, shame, as disgrace, can lead to loss of reputation (Prov 22:1) or to destructive patterns of avoidance.
Although we recognize that both Satan and the world will try to disgrace and ruin us, we need not feel disgraced (Rom 1:16; 1 Pet 4:16) but can accept this treatment as Christ did (Heb 12:2; 13:13). Furthermore, we can now approach God without shame (Heb 4:16) and with a freedom and intimacy born of knowing we will not experience eternal ruin or disgrace (Dan 12:2).
Loving trust is more important than mere head knowledge.