We’ve all heard the phrase, “What’s in a name?” Well, the Bible says this about good names, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22: 1
Having a good name means living in a way that earns the trust of others.
It involves demonstrating integrity, honesty, and righteousness. It doesn’t mean being perfect but rather learning from mistakes and striving to make things right.
Hey, we are all being perfected in Christ, aren’t we?
Some folks esteem others according to their economic status in life, determining if one is “rich or poor.” When we do that, it can devalue a person and put a label on them, that God never intended for them to have.
God in his wisdom said this, “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22: 2 Yes, He is!
Friends, our character does matter in life. “He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.” Proverbs 22: 11
God protects those who have wisdom and knowledge.
“The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but He frustrates the words of the unfaithful.” Proverbs 22: 12
As we close this chapter there is an exhortation from the Lord that the Psalmist is speaking entitled, “Sayings Of The Wise.” It’s absolutely beautiful.
He begins with all the “Do’s.” Here it is:
“Pay attention and listen to the savings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?” Proverbs 22: 17-21
Then he concludes with all the “Do nots.”
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor; and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” Proverbs 22: 22-23
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.” Proverbs 22: 24-25
So, what can we learn from all of this? Exhibiting good character will give us a good name.
Our character is formed by the values and morals that we put in place. Being esteemed by the Lord, not people is better than all the gold and riches in this world.
“May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1: 11
The apostle Paul said it this way, “For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.” Philippians 1: 10
Yes, and He shall, indeed, return.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on My Beloved’s Voice
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
You can find all of the Kingdom Assurance series posts by clicking the button below.
Comments are closed.