June 2nd~A Good Name

Proverbs 20:1-22:16

Having read another 77 stand-alone proverbs, it is unfair to single one out, but that is exactly what I’m going to do today. One proverb in particular has meant more to me and my family than any other over the years — Proverbs 22:1. “Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.” In the New American Standard translation, this verse says, “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth...”

“A Good Name” has been our family motto for as long as I can remember. We have memorized this verse, we have discussed what it means, and we have done our best to live it out. What is a good name? Why is it important to have one, and how does one go about building one? Let’s take a minute to answer these questions.

A name is synonymous with a reputation. Just as everyone has a name, so also does everyone have a reputation. It is the opinion that our peers and the public at large have about us based on our character, our words, and our actions. It is the favor or disfavor that is attached to our name, what people immediately think of when our name is mentioned in conversation. While it is more important to have favor in the eyes of God, it is certainly a benefit to have favor in the eyes of people.

Here are some things to consider when building a good name. “Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation” (3:3, 4). Both kindness and loyalty go a long way to building a good name.

“The wise inherit honor...” (3:35). All of us “are known by the way we act, whether our conduct is pure and right” (20:11). “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed” (10:9).

Building a good name is not a selfish enterprise, nor is it done for our own glory. Rather we build a good name by God’s grace and for His glory, not that we might receive attention but that He might receive attention. We build a good name because we are God’s ambassadors; what we do and say reflects positively or poorly on Him.

The builders of the Tower of Babel desired “to make a name for themselves” but it ended in disaster, because they rebelled against God (Genesis 11:4). Abraham, on the other hand, had a good name, because the Lord rewarded him for his faithfulness (12:2). Ultimately, it is God who makes our name great. He is the one who grants us favor in the eyes of men; but, we must use that name to shine a light on Him (Matthew 5:14-16).

Daily Reflection

Are you building a good name? What have you tried to do to build a good name?

Can you think of others who have a good name? What have they done to make it so?

BiAY.org | Day 153 — 212 Days to Go