Proverbs 22:1

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a great name:

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)

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

and favor is better than silver or gold.

One of the things that is missing in our society is the giving of grace to others.   In the above proverbs we see Solomon telling us that we should desire a good reputation and how important it is when others give us grace (“favor” is the Hebrew word, “hen” and means grace).    Since we have received grace in our lives from God we need to be willing to give grace to others.   Grace given to us is like rain in a time of drought.   David needed grace after he sinned with Bathsheba.    Moses needed grace after he killed an Egyptian.   Paul needed grace after he stood by as the Jews stoned Stephen.   Peter needed grace after he denied knowing Jesus during the crucifixion.  Each of these four mentioned have a great reputation (the first line of the above proverb).  They have a "good name".   The reason they have a good name is because they were given "favor" (grace).  They would be the first to say that "favor is better than sliver and gold."   Silver and gold would not have you think of David, Moses, Paul or Peter in a positive manner.  But, because they were given grace, they are four of the greatest names in Christendom.   Two murders, an adulterer and a denier.   Yet, we think of them as great men.  They have a good name because they received and gave deep grace.