A Good Name - Proverbs 22:1

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “there is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse one of Proverbs Solomon said, “a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” where we read,

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

The verse begins, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,” Solomon began with the words, “a good name” or “a pleasant and agreeable fame, reputation and glory” “is rather to be chosen” which means “exists to a greater degree preferable and instead” “than great riches” or “compared to massive, abundant and copious wealth”. Solomonsaid a pleasant reputation is preferable to having exceeding treasures and riches. 

The verse continues, “and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Solomon added the words, “and loving favor” or “and pleasant, agreeable and becoming grace, charm, elegance and acceptance” “rather than silver” which means “compared to precious and valuable silver metal” “and gold” or “and precious and valuable gold metal”. Solomon said agreeable grace, charm and acceptance exceeds the value of the precious metals “silver and gold”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon the value of a “good name” and “loving favor”. True riches are found in the intangibles, and although “great riches” and “silver and gold” may be obtained upon earth, they cannot be taken with us when we leave. God wants to give us the value of eternal life with Him, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us through His Holy Spirit how He uses the temporary things to lead us to the valuables that shall last forever. (See 16:11) 

Next time Solomon says, “the rich and poor meet together”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".