A GOOD NAME

Proverbs 22:1-16 / Keywords 22:1

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 

22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;

    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common:

    The Lord is the Maker of them all.

3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,

    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

4 Humility is the fear of the Lord;

    its wages are riches and honor and life.

5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,

    but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

6 Start children off on the way they should go,

    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,

    and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,

    and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

9 The generous will themselves be blessed,

    for they share their food with the poor.

10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;

    quarrels and insults are ended.

11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace

    will have the king for a friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,

    but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!

    I’ll be killed in the public square!”

14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;

    a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

    but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

    and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

1. Having a good name is worth far more than riches. But the temptation for money makes people lose sight of their reputation. No matter how much money you have or how many things you own, God is the creator of all things. Thus, true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord God (4). If we put Him first in our lives over everything else, He will bless us abundantly and fill our lives with His glory and honor. 

2. We should watch our actions carefully to embody those of Christ. We should be generous, loving, pure, and gracious. Then, the Lord will watch over us and give us his wisdom. 

3. Foolishness is not a fruit of the Spirit, nor is greed, corruption, immorality, and immaturity. Without God, we are vulnerable against these temptations. We must seek God’s wisdom and have His Words in our mouths to guard ourselves against sins’ temptations. 

Prayer Father, give us your wisdom and protect us from all evil. Help me to have a good name by doing what is right. 

One Word A good name is worth more than riches