They can be a bit misleading...
The intention is that if someone gives you advice that turns out to be correct, or you appreciate their efforts in helping you, you "give them rep" - this increases their rep status in the counter.
Some percentage of your total rep is awarded to the person whom you're giving rep to (without removing it from your total...)
Realistically, anyone who's been here for a while gets significant rep... doesn't necessarily mean they know what they're talking about when they're answering your question... you have to work this out for yourself.
And rep is awarded for all sorts of reasons... not just technical advice, so beware.
It maxes out at about 21 million or so... after that there's nowhere to go.