Articles
Proverbs To Live By (22:1)
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.
When your name is mentioned in conversation, what impressions do you think others have of you? What are the predominant traits that people might associate with your name? In other words, what is your reputation?
That’s a scary thought. We are constantly forming such impressions in the minds of others by our speech, demeanor and actions. We show compassion – or not; dependability – or not; wisdom – or not; knowledge – or not; etc.
People flippantly dismiss this today: “Why should I care what others think about me?” But a Christian cannot say this, for the essence of discipleship is Christ living in us (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 4:13). If our associates cannot see that, then something is amiss.
But the proverb is also pragmatic: A good name will give us many advantages in this life. Others will be quicker to offer goodwill, forgiveness, patience, credit, benefit of the doubt, etc., to those of good character and reputation. Behaving in a godly way benefits on many levels.
