A good name

How do others see you?  It’s an issue that Proverbs brings up more than once.  We saw this in chapter 10, and we see it again here.  Solomon writes,

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.  (Proverbs 22:1)

And in this chapter, we see more ways to maintain a good name.

Solomon writes,

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.  (3)

It always amazes me that in Hawaii, there are always people who, when they hear a tsunami may be coming, rush to the beach to see it. (I actually have a friend that sheepishly admitted to doing this.) 

Up to this point, fortunately, the tsunami always fizzles out before actually arriving, but the time may come when people will pay for their stupidity with their lives.

But so many people fail to see other dangers in their lives.  Solomon notes that,

In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.  (Proverbs 22:5)

How many people fail to see how their sin is leading them to the destruction of their marriage, or their health, or to their relationships? 

As a result, they keep living the way they are, and not only suffer pain for it, but suffer a blow to their reputation as well. 

But a wise person sees potential danger to all these things and takes measures to avoid it.

Solomon also adds,

Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. (4)

When we fear the Lord, it does bring us a good name.  This doesn’t mean, however, that everyone will like us.  And as I mentioned in my last blog, it doesn’t mean that we will avoid persecution. 

Jesus was the perfect Son of God.  Yet, while he lived on this earth, there were still people who hated him and eventually put him to death. 

But in general, if we fear God, we will prosper in this life and earn a good name.

Another thing to remember is that if we fail to raise our children right, they can become a stain to our reputation as well.  Solomon wrote,

A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him. (Proverbs 17:25)

and

A foolish son is his father’s ruin… (Proverbs 19:13)

So Solomon admonishes us,

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.  (Proverbs 22:6)

And again,

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.  (Proverbs 22:15)

Solomon then points out the importance of being generous (Proverbs 22:9), of having a pure heart, and speech that is gracious  (11). 

Of avoiding laziness (13)  and adultery (14). 

Of being careful about who we hang out with (24-25). 

Of being careful with our finances (26-27). 

Of being honest (28). 

And of being skilled at what you do (29).

All these things lead to a person becoming favored in the eyes of God and men.  A person like Jesus (Luke 2:52).

How about you?  What kind of name are you building?