A Good or Bad Name

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 22)

v. 1, 3-4, 6, 9, 11-12, 17-21, 29 A Good Name

     “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold…Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” Proverbs 22:1 & 29

     The way we live now will affect how we are remembered later. The righteous will leave a good name and a good impact; their righteous actions, thoughts, and words will reflect they lived by wisdom. They will have been a help to the poor, careful with their words, humble, doers of good not evil, generous, pure, hard workers, and wise. The righteous lives as both a teacher to those who come after them and as a student of the Lord.

v. 2, 5, 7-8, 10, 13-16, 22-28 A Bad Name

     “He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail.” Proverbs 22:8

      Though a worldly person may impact the world, their impact is not for eternal good. Their words, thoughts, and actions will reflect the foolishness of their hearts. They have no regard for the poor. They speak as they like. They are perverse, simple, scoffers, contentious, lazy, immoral, foolish, oppressive, thieves, and full of anger. They do not seek, nor will they have the favor of the Lord; all they truly accumulate is sorrow.

Application:

     What kind of name do we want to have now and when we die? Do our actions match that? The world may promote and praise the wicked, but those who leave a worthwhile impact are those who stand for Christ. Christians should value imitating Christ and having His favor over all else in this world.

Prayer:

     Lord, may we remember that as Your children we should reflect You in all we say, think, and do. And, as we do, we can stand knowing that we will have Your favor wherever we go.