A good nameIn biblical times, a person's name was more than just a label; it represented their character and reputation. The importance of a good name is emphasized throughout Scripture, as seen in
Ecclesiastes 7:1, which states that a good name is better than fine perfume. The concept of a "good name" is tied to one's integrity and moral standing within the community. In the ancient Near East, maintaining a good reputation was crucial for social and economic interactions.
is more desirable than great riches;
This phrase highlights the value of character over material wealth. In a culture where wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, this proverb challenges the reader to prioritize ethical living and reputation over financial gain. The Bible frequently warns against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness, as seen in1 Timothy 6:10, which warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The emphasis is on the eternal value of a good name compared to the temporary nature of riches.
favor is better than silver and gold.
Favor, or grace, refers to the approval and goodwill of others, which is often a result of having a good name. This favor can open doors and provide opportunities that wealth cannot. The Bible often speaks of God's favor as a blessing, as seen inPsalm 5:12, where the Lord blesses the righteous with favor as a shield. The comparison to silver and gold underscores the idea that divine and human favor are more valuable than even the most precious earthly treasures. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into the value of a good name reflect his understanding of human nature and divine principles.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where reputation and social standing were crucial aspects of community life.
3.
Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Value of ReputationA good name, or reputation, is invaluable. It reflects one's character and integrity, which are more enduring and impactful than material wealth.
Favor Over WealthFavor, or grace, is a divine blessing that surpasses the temporary satisfaction of riches. It opens doors and creates opportunities that money cannot buy.
Character DevelopmentBuilding a good name requires consistent effort in developing godly character traits such as honesty, kindness, and humility.
Eternal PerspectiveWhile wealth is temporary, a good name has eternal significance. It influences how we are remembered and the legacy we leave behind.
Witness to OthersA good reputation serves as a powerful testimony to others about the transformative power of living a life according to God's principles.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:1?
2.How does Proverbs 22:1 emphasize the value of a good name over wealth?
3.What practical steps can you take to cultivate a good name today?
4.How does Proverbs 22:1 connect with Matthew 6:19-21 on treasures?
5.In what ways can a good reputation reflect Christ's character to others?
6.How can you prioritize integrity over material gain in daily decisions?
7.What does Proverbs 22:1 mean by "a good name" being more desirable than wealth?
8.How does Proverbs 22:1 challenge the pursuit of material wealth in modern society?
9.Why is reputation emphasized over riches in Proverbs 22:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22?
11.What does "A good name is better than riches" mean?
12.What does 'A good name is better than riches' mean?
13.What do customers say about their experience with us?
14.Is a good name more valuable than precious ointment?What Does Proverbs 22:1 Mean
A good name“A good name…” (Proverbs 22:1) points to a reputation that reflects integrity, faithfulness, and godly character.
•Proverbs 10:7 reminds us, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.”
•Ecclesiastes 7:1 adds, “A good name is better than fine perfume.”
• Peter urges believers to “keep your conduct honorable” so that unbelievers “may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).
• Paul models this in2 Corinthians 8:21, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.”
When we live transparently and righteously, our “name” becomes a quiet testimony to God’s work in us.
More desirable than great riches“…is more desirable than great riches;” (Proverbs 22:1). Scripture repeatedly warns that wealth is temporary, while character has eternal value.
• Jesus counsels, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).
• “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
• “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 11:4).
Choosing integrity over gain may cost in the short term, yet it secures an inheritance that can never perish (1 Peter 1:4).
Favor is better than silver and gold“…favor is better than silver and gold.” Divine favor—and the goodwill it produces with others—outweighs material treasure.
• “Surely You bless the righteous; You surround them with favor as a shield” (Psalm 5:12).
• Joseph’s life shows how the Lord’s favor “granted him success in everything” (Genesis 39:21-23).
•Proverbs 3:3-4 urges us to bind love and faithfulness “around your neck… then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
• Even Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
Silver and gold can purchase comfort, but only God-given favor opens doors no bank account can match.
summaryProverbs 22:1 elevates character above cash. A reputation grounded in truth and grace is worth more than vaults of wealth. Material riches fade, yet the Lord’s favor—and the honorable name it produces—yields blessing for this life and the next. Choose integrity, seek God’s approval, and you will possess treasure no thief can steal.
XXII.(1)Loving favour.--Or,favour is better than silver and gold."Favour" may signify the grace which wins love, as well as the favour gained thereby.
Verse 1. -
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. It will be observed that "good" in the Authorized Version is in italics, showing that the epithet is not expressed in the Hebrew, which is simply
שֵׁם (
shem), "name." But this word carried with it the notion of good repute, as in
Ecclesiastes 7:1; for being well known implied honour and reputation, while being nameless (
Job 30:8) signified not only obscurity, but ignominy and discredit. Hence the versions have
ὄνομα καλόν,
nomen bonum, and Ecclus. 41:12, "Have regard to thy name (
περὶ ὀνόματος), for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold. A good life," the moralist continues, "hath but few days; but a good name endureth forever" (contrast
Proverbs 10:7).
And loving favour rather than silver and gold; or, more accurately,
and before gold and silver grace is good;
i.e. grace is far better than gold. Grace (
chen) is the manner and demeanour which win love, as well as the favour and affection gained thereby; taken as parallel to "name," in the former hemistich, it means here "favour," the regard conceived by others for a worthy object. Publ. Syr., "Bona opinio hominum tutier pecunia est." The French have a proverb, "Bonne renommee vaut mieux que ceinture doree." The latter hemistich gives the reason for the assertion in the former - a good name is so valuable because it wins affection and friendship, which are far preferable to material riches,
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A good nameשֵׁ֭ם(m)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A nameis more desirableנִבְחָ֣ר(niḇ·ḥār)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 977:To try, selectthan greatרָ֑ב(rāḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatriches;מֵעֹ֣שֶׁר(mê·‘ō·šer)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239:Wealthfavorחֵ֣ן(ḥên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580:Graciousness, subjective, objectiveis betterטֽוֹב׃(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodthan silverמִכֶּ֥סֶף(mik·ke·sep̄)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyand gold.וּ֝מִזָּהָ֗ב(ū·miz·zā·hāḇ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than (Prov. Pro Pr)