How is choosing a good name better than choosing riches (Proverbs 22:1)?
We live in a world that values wealth, riches, and material possessions. Our society tells us that having money, a nice car, a big house, and expensive clothes will lead to happiness and fulfillment. However, the Bible offers a different perspective. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” This proverb encourages us to see that choosing a good reputation and character is far more valuable than material wealth. In this article, we will explore what it means to choose a good name over riches and why it is the wiser choice according to God’s Word.
What Does It Mean to Choose a Good Name?
When the Bible speaks of choosing a good name, it is referring to our reputation, our character, and how we are known by others. Our name represents who we are. Proverbs 22:1 is telling us that we should be more concerned with developing integrity and living righteously than amassing money and possessions.
Here are some ways we can choose a good name:
1. By living honestly. Being truthful and trustworthy in our words and actions. As Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
2. By being responsible and working hard. Not being lazy or foolish with time and resources. Ecclesiastes 10:18 warns that “through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.”
3. By treating others with love and respect. Showing care and compassion for people in our lives. As 1 Peter 4:8 exhorts, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
4. By being generous and willing to share. Using our time, skills, and resources to benefit others. As Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
5. By being humble and quick to forgive. Not thinking we are better than others, and being willing to apologize and make amends when needed. As Colossians 3:12 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
6. By exhibiting self-control and sound judgment. Making wise choices that honor God and others. Proverbs 19:11 says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
7. By having moral courage and doing what is right. Even when it is difficult. As Micah 6:8 declares, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
This type of godly character comes from a heart transformed by Christ. As we submit ourselves to God’s will and walk in obedience to His Word, we develop a reputation that honors Him. This is what the Bible means by choosing a good name.
The Benefits of a Good Name
There are many advantages that come from choosing a good name over the pursuit of riches. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. A good name reflects our true worth in God’s eyes. Our character reveals who we truly are, not our bank account. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
2. A good name creates a lasting legacy. The way we live carries on long after we’re gone. Proverbs 10:7 says, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”
3. A good name wins people’s trust and respect. When we have integrity, others know they can believe in us. Proverbs 20:7 states, “The righteous who walks in his integrity- blessed are his children after him!”
4. A good name enables us to positively influence others. When our reputation is sound, people are more likely to listen to our words and follow our example. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment.”
5. A good name gives us confidence and peace of mind. We have the satisfaction of knowing we did what was right before God. Proverbs 28:6 declares, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
6. A good name stores up eternal rewards. Our righteous choices have ongoing impact even after our earthly life ends. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:20, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
7. A good name glorifies God. When people observe our Christlike character, God is honored. As Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
The Pitfalls of Riches
If developing a good name has so many benefits, why do we tend to be drawn to money and possessions instead? Riches promise power, pleasure, and security – things we naturally desire. However, pursuing wealth often fails to truly satisfy. The Bible warns about the dangers of making riches our priority:
1. Riches promote pride and self-sufficiency. When we are wealthy, it is easy to forget our need for God. Deuteronomy 8:12-14 warns against this: “Lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses…and your silver and gold is multiplied…then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God.”
2. Riches bring increased temptation and troubles. More money means more exposure to greed, envy, laziness, and other pitfalls. Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 observes that “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity…The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.”
3. Riches cannot secure our future. We cannot control what happens to our earthly possessions. Proverbs 23:4-5 cautions, “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”
4. Riches cannot buy salvation or real life. No amount of money can earn us eternal life or true fulfillment. Mark 8:36 poses the sobering question: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
5. Riches often fade away. Earthly wealth is uncertain and can disappear quickly. James 1:10-11 reminds us, “…like the flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes.”
For these reasons, pursuing riches often leads to frustration and spiritual poverty. That’s why Proverbs 30:7-9 wisely prays, “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’”
How to Develop a Good Name More than Riches
Since a good name is such a valuable asset, how can we intentionally cultivate it? The Bible offers much practical wisdom on growing in godly character and choosing a path of integrity. Here are some key principles:
1. Set your heart on eternal treasures, not earthly wealth. Matthew 6:19-21 instructs us to, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Keeping an eternal perspective helps us value character above riches.
2. Ask God for wisdom and a heart to obey. In his prayer, Solomon asked the Lord for “an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). We need God’s wisdom and strength to make righteous choices and resist temptation.
3. Renew your mind with God’s truth. Romans 12:2 commands us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Immersing our minds in Scripture reorients our values to pursue what really matters.
4. Find moral examples to emulate. In Hebrews 6:12, the author exhorts, “Do not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” We need role models who demonstrate godly virtues to model our own lives after.
5. Invest in relationships that spur growth. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Surround yourself with people who will encourage your character development.
6. Persevere in doing good. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Continually choosing righteousness shapes us into people of integrity.
7. Repent quickly when you fail. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Admitting our shortcomings humbly and seeking forgiveness keeps our conscience clear.
8. Serve others generously with your gifts. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Using our time and resources to meet needs develops Christlike character.
9. Give thanks to God in every circumstance. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude helps our hearts stay focused on the right treasures.
10. Trust God to provide what you need. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we pursue God’s priorities, He promises to supply our needs.
The Rewards of Choosing a Good Name
As much as our culture elevates riches, the Bible makes it clear that choosing a good name is far more important. Developing a reputation for godly character comes with abundant eternal rewards. Here are some of the blessings Scripture promises for those who pursue righteousness:
– Wisdom and joy (Proverbs 3:13-18)
– God’s favor and protection (Psalm 5:12)
– A lasting legacy for our children (Psalm 112:1-2)
– True satisfying life (Proverbs 19:23)
– Confidence on judgment day (1 John 4:17)
– Eternal life in God’s presence (Psalm 15)
– Crowns of glory (1 Peter 5:4)
– Treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20-21)
– Hearing “well done” from the Master (Matthew 25:21)
Chasing after money and possessions often leaves people feeling empty and unsatisfied. But “solid character is the foundation of a life worth living. Riches are a shallow prize” (Proverbs 19:1, MSG). As we seek God and invest in building integrity and living righteously, we develop a reputation that will outlast any earthly wealth. Our character echoes into eternity through the legacy we leave.
Proverbs 22:1 reminds us that the wise choice is “a good name rather than great riches.” May God give us the grace and courage to pursue what truly matters, choosing character above riches, and eternal treasures above temporary trinkets. Then we will reap eternal rewards and bring great glory to our Father in heaven.