How is choosing a good name better than choosing riches (Proverbs 22:1)?

Answer

Since most people do not get to choose their names, why does Proverbs 22:1 state, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (ESV)? Similarly, why does Ecclesiastes 7:1 suggest that “a good name is better than fine perfume”?

The term “name” in both verses refers to “reputation,” “standing,” or “the general estimation and recognition of a person.” In ancient Israel, a person’s name was closely tied to their reputation and standing in the community. The phrase translated as “to be chosen” in the original language conveys the idea of pursuing what is more desirable, preferable, or of greater worth. “Favor” is actually “good favor” in the original Hebrew and corresponds with “name” in the first line of the verse. In this context, favor denotes “acceptance, respect, or esteem from other people.” Therefore, Proverbs 22:1 highlights the superior value of maintaining a good, respectable reputation.

Similar to wisdom, an honorable standing or “a good name” holds more worth than money, riches, and luxurious possessions like silver, gold, and fine perfume. A more fitting rephrasing of the proverb would be, “It is far better to have honor and esteem associated with one’s name than all the riches in the world,” or as the New Living Translation interprets Proverbs 22:1, “Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.” Since, in the poetic Hebrew parallelism, the two lines of the passage convey essentially the same message, the Contemporary English Version combines them: “A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.”

Proverbs 22:1 does not imply that having a lot of money and possessions is wrong. Wealth is not the issue, but the means by which we acquire it are significant. If we amass riches at the cost of tarnishing our reputation, then we have paid too high a price. Riches are meaningless if, in the process, we end up damaging our honor and standing in the community.

Suing them, we ruin our character. “Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it,” says Proverbs 1:19. See also Proverbs 10:2.

Shakespeare, in one of his plays, echoes the teaching of Proverbs 22:1, putting these wise words into the mouth of Iago:

“Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls.
Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing;
‘Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed” (Othello, III:iii).

Having a good name or honorable reputation is the result of developing inner character and living uprightly. Ruth’s story proves that living with integrity builds a respectable reputation (Ruth 2:1-13). A good reputation comes from obeying God’s Word (Deuteronomy 4:1-14), living to please the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:9-10), and always striving to keep a clear conscience before God and people (Acts 24:16; Hebrews 13:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:1).

Even as a young boy, Jesus cultivated a good reputation as He grew “in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people” «And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.», (Luke 2:52, NLT). The early church leaders chose seven men of “good reputation” «Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.», (Acts 6:3).(Acts 6:3, NKJV) to serve as deacons. The Bible describes at least one of them, Stephen, as a man who was “full of the Spirit and wisdom,” “full of faith” «And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: », (Acts 6:5), and “full of grace and power” «And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. », (Acts 6:8).

Proverbs 3:3–4 teaches, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Once again, a good name here means “a respectable reputation.” Love in the original language denotes “kindness,” as in how we treat our fellow humans. And faithfulness refers to “steadfastness, and fidelity to one’s word,” especially regarding our obligations and relations with other men and women. When the Lord’s lovingkindness and faithfulness surround our hearts like a beautiful garland, we earn the favor of God and others. This favor provides us with a good name, branding our reputation and hanging like a monogram over the threshold of our lives. A good name such as this is more desirable than all the money in the world.