Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

August 17
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“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1, NIV)

Today’s verse brings to mind a certain company that changed its name in hopes of outrunning its deservedly poor reputation. The only problem was that whenever this company was mentioned in the media after its name change, the reference always went something like, “the company formerly known as. . .”

Call it a “handle,” a “flag,” a “label,” or a “tag,” it’s still a name.  Everyone has a name; but not everyone has a good name.

The Bible says that a good name is more desirable than great wealth.  Indeed, a good name is the confidence you see looking back at you in the mirror; a good name blesses our children; a good name is the fragrance of righteousness.

Guard your good name (or rehabilitate it, if you’ve allowed it to founder) by being faithful and truthful in all of your dealings with others.  – Luther

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August 15
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“Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.” (Proverbs 19:16, NIV)

There is a saying: “Learn from the mistakes of others; you won’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”

The commandments of God are the best way to avoid the mistakes of others because God’s commandments have two purposes: To protect us; and to provide for us.

So many otherwise intelligent, talented, and resourceful people come to grief because they choose to ignore God’s wisdom and God’s commandments.  In trying to learn everything from personal experience, they will destroy themselves long before completing a very long list of life lessons.

Keeping God’s commandments does not inhibit living.  On the contrary, it provides the length of days that makes living possible.  – Luther

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August 14
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“The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” (Proverbs 14:11, NIV)

Generally speaking, houses are more secure than tents.  However, most of us would choose a tent erected with integrity over a house marked for destruction.

A house (e. g. life) built on deceit, corrupted morals, or other deficiencies — no matter how grand the house may appear to observers — is destined for destruction.  It is far better to dwell in a humble tent with the assurance of God’s protection, than in any house of wickedness.

As disciples of Jesus, we must keep an eternal perspective; even as the rest of the world looks only at tomorrow, or at outward appearances.  If we forgo the fruits of evil, we shall certainly instead receive the rewards of a clear conscience, a good reputation, and the favor of our heavenly Father.  – Luther

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