Proverbs 22:1-3 (BBE)
1 A good name is more to be desired than great wealth, and to be respected is better than silver and gold.
2 The man of wealth and the poor man come face to face: the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 The sharp man sees the evil and takes cover: the simple go straight on and get into trouble.
A good name puts up for a good reputation, good credit, or fame. In some areas, the mention of some names could be a ticket for entrance or a barrier, some will say their name provides credit-they’re good for it because of who they are.
Such as that person’s name has a high standard, and they are a person of credit and reputation.
A Good name is part of an excellent spirit.
How do people react when they hear your name? Names can instil fear or trepidation in some areas-think for a minute of someone called “the godfather” and we immediately assume that person is the head of a mafia group; of course, his name is well hidden, but the sobriquet still instils fear in the hearers.
What does your name do in the camp of the enemy?
How do they describe you? Or of you? Does the enemy tremble when they speak of you because they know you as a person of the word and prayer? Would they even recognize your name?
What we believe controls how we behave. How much you value something or someone is how much you value yourself. Don’t allow anyone to waste your time, time is money (a convertible resource, time can be spent wisely or unwisely.) while integrity refers to moral soundness, honesty, freedom from corrupting influence or motive, used especially with reference to the fulfilment of contracts, the discharge of agencies, trusts, and the like; uprightness; rectitude based on what your mind is set on according to Colossians 3:23. We must endeavour to become honest; the fairness and straightforwardness of conduct, speech, etc.; integrity; sincerity; truthfulness; freedom from fraud or guile according to 1 Timothy 2:2 which allows people to see and judge us correctly.
You are who is seen! How transparent are you in your dealings? Transparency is to be open about your intentions and motives as prescribed by Ephesians 4:25. These are valuable resources that help us become who we are and how the godly traits expressed in us impact our world.
A good name with favour will get you riches but a bad name will take everything from you. Trust is social capital in economics. Trust increases the velocity of money. There are those who don’t value human life, as evidenced by the disgraceful abortionist in society, but those who value people or human life are themselves, valuable people. Don’t only value resources, wealth, status, and ideas but also value those resources that aren’t always visible to the human eyes. You become whatever and whoever you are mentally, spiritually, and psychologically before you become.
- Value yourself according to Matthew 7:12.
- Be a creative thinker says Romans 12:2.
- Be a person of integrity declares Proverbs 10:9.
- Value human resources and not material resources say Mark 12:31.
This generation has gone beyond the “name dropping” syndrome, where names are used for both good and bad, even when that name itself is muddied, it can still benefit you in some quarters. Unfortunately, believers have joined the club of “who is your mentor?” meaning, whose name are you using to get ahead, basing your spiritual criteria on man’s standard and not God’s.
Let your name characterize you as you grow and become who and what God called you to be.
Shalom