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

There is an old 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. Trying to learn everything from personal experience, they will destroy themselves long before reaching the end of every list of 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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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB)

As disciples of Jesus, we sell-short the vast and powerful Resource available to us in decision-making when we refuse to trust our heavenly Father with all of our heart.

A divided heart encourages confused loyalties. The antidote is to be committed to do whatever it is — however small — to maintain a vital, growing, relationship with God; and make that task first thing you do.

Even when we err, “He will make your paths straight” back to fellowship and peace with Him. Such journeys are easiest when we act while inspiration burns within us; and when the path to reconciliation, liberty, and life begins with the smallest of steps to the side. – Luther

Tagged discipleship, the book of Proverbs, trusting in God