A Good Name

September 5

Song of Solomon 3-4

Psalm 102:12-14

Proverbs 22:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-16

A Good Name

“A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.” Proverbs 22:1-2

In this passage in Proverbs, Solomon is encouraging us to do everything we can to pursue a good name and then keep it. Instead of pursuing gold and silver, riches, power, and fame, we should focus our attention on doing the things that will lead to a good reputation. Pursuing suggests chasing after or actively seeking it. It is not a passive thing that will just happen automatically. Let’s examine a few of the qualities of someone with a good name and prayerfully seek to pursue them.

1. Honesty- A person with a good name is someone that can be trusted to be honest in all their dealings. They will not lie to you, and they will not cheat you. You know that you can rely on what they tell you. They will treat you fairly. You may not always like what they say to you, but you can rely on it being truthful. “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good.” I Peter 3:10

2. Humility- A person with a good name is humble. “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” Proverbs 20:23 Arrogance and pride do not lead to having a good name. Thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought is the mark of a fool and not of someone who is highly respected.

3. Wisdom- A person with a good name is known for their wisdom. They make decisions based on careful contemplation and prayer. They do not engage in foolish activities and are not known for sinful habits. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Proverbs 2:6 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Ephesians 5:15-16

4. Kindness- A person with a good name treats others with kindness and respect. They are caring and generous with their time and resources and they are known for treating others well. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12