Proverbs 22

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches; loving favor rather than silver or gold.”(Proverbs 22:1). In this chapter of Proverbs, Solomon again scribes many morsels of spiritual soul food, giving his readers and hearers much to chew on! In verse 1, he sets the tone for the entire chapter, that is, your name is defined by your character and, ultimately, defines your life.

Solomon mentions many names that describe a person’s character, both good and bad, within the Book of Proverbs and even in this chapter. He affirms a “prudent man” (verse 3) and “a man who excels in his work” (verse 29). He also rebukes a “scoffer” (verse 10), a “lazy man” (verse 13), “an immoral woman” (verse 14), and “an angry man” (verse 24).

Think about it. How do most of us, most of the time, conclude our prayers? “In the name of Jesus I pray…Amen.” On many occasions in the Gospels, Jesus reminds His followers to pray in His name. Why? Because using His name infers identification with Him and authorization by Him. His name invokes the essence of who He is–His character and His calling.

The name “Christian” is used commonly and somewhat irreverently today, but in the early Church it was seen by believers as a high honor and a holy standard to uphold. They were Christians because they were followers (disciples) of Jesus Christ in word and in deed. They bore His name.

Do you have a good name among your associates, your classmates, your neighbors, your family members? Would others outside the Church identify you as a Christian, because they observe that your life reflects and resonates the character of our Lord Jesus Christ? Let us live as the Psalmist proclaimed, “O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.”(Psalm 34:3)

--Reno Zunz