A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. (Proverbs 22:1-5 ESV).
Our reading today is not often quoted as someone’s favorite verse. Perhaps it should be. As we come to the close of our pursuit toward wisdom, this verse is an essential element in becoming wise. In a world where large profit margins seem to be the only objective, a commitment to having a good name is most commendable. In a world with numerous temptations to cut corners or deliver less than promised, it’s vitally important that followers of Christ conduct their lives with integrity. The temptation to seek gold or silver—the profits—as our top priority is the same today as it was in Solomon’s day. Greater profits may come by way of dishonest weights, selling a sick animal, falsifying records, or misleading marketing ploys.
This principle also applies directly to how we conduct ourselves in other areas of life. Too often our testimony is negated by the way we live. We see many people today who have adopted the display of Christian symbols yet behave without integrity and in a manner that is anything but Christ-like. Our good intentions and promises must be followed up with actions of integrity in all we do. Christ’s name is at stake, not merely our reputation.
Jesus calls us to honesty. Honoring him, we can sing, “Lord, I lift your name on high,” and mean it. We should be very careful to honor God in every area of our life.