Proverbs 22:1

New International Version (NIV)

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

For Meditation

Reputation is like a shadow. It either goes before or behind us. As defined by the Encarta dictionary, it embodies “the views that are generally held about somebody or something.” It is good or bad, and favorable or otherwise. It is a reflection of a person’s life, and positions them in the estimation of people’s minds. It defines what people may believe or accept from a person or not.

A good reputation is critically important for the Christian witness. Our testimony depends largely on the reputation we may have with the people we live with and minister to. That is why Paul lists it among the qualities of the overseer: “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap” (1 Tim. 3:7).

Solomon puts it this way: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Prov. 22:1). It is a choice to make in life to be known for a good reputation rather than riches with a vile and contemptuous character. Abigail essentially reiterated this about her husband to David: “May the Lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name – his name is Fool, and folly goes with him” (1 Sam. 25:25). Dorcas, on the other hand, was raised back to life by Peter upon her reputation among the disciples at Joppa for “always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36). The contrast is clear, and the end of the two lives speaks for themselves.

Jesus, our ultimate example, had “no place to lay His head” (Matt. 8:20). He neither had gold nor silver; yet, He “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Lk. 2:52). God may give us riches, but we should not set our hearts on them against the honorable name that comes from doing the “good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).

1. What then does your name evoke among your peers?
2. How willing are people to seek your counsel?
3. Do people readily relate your life to Christ or they wonder how you should bear His name?
4. What testimony would they give about you to a David or a Peter?
5. Most important, what is God’s testimony about you?

I pray you recognize and accept that integrity is the foundation for a good reputation.

So: May you gird your loins with truth (Eph. 6:14); and maintain a good reputation with outsiders and God, so that your testimony about Christ Jesus may be believable.

A good name and esteem are desirable above all worldly things.

Shalom