Daily Devotions – A Good Name

Daily Devotions – A Good Name

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Proverbs 22:1-16 (NIV)
22 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. 4 Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. 5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. 6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. 7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. 8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. 9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. 10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. 11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. 12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. 13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” 14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it. 15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. 16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

 

How can a good name be more valuable than riches?

 

Lord, all that I have is a gift from You. My heart is humble and open to You and Your will. I have been troubled as I witness the evil in this world, and see results from people who have no morals, no ethics, no principles. Because of their cheating, manipulation, and things they do in the dark, I cannot trust or follow them. A good reputation and respect are worth much more than power and riches. The pursuit of power and riches brings great anxiety, exposes danger, and adds no real value to a person. Those who cheat the poor to make a profit or give gifts to the rich and to enemy nations for personal gain will be broken under the weight of their deceitfulness. It is better to do what is right than to make more money by cutting corners, dubious practices, or greed. Lord help me to be honorable, honest, genuine, and transparent so to fill my heart with spiritual riches that are something of far more lasting value. I will respect and serve You, Lord with every aspect of my life. Respect gained from others through a pure heart provides an opportunity to do good, to speak about the gospel, and to share Your love with others. Allow my reputation and honor to be an example for my children and grandchildren so they too will live a life of integrity and do what is right. Lord, allow me to have a reputation of integrity, generosity, humility, and the fear of the Lord. Amen