Together in Christ: 'Reputation over Riches!' — Proverbs 22:1

Saturday, March 4, 2023

"Choose a good reputation over great riches;
     being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold."

— Proverbs 22:1 NLT

Key Thought

Few things are more valuable to a person of influence than a good reputation. [1] Earthly riches are temporary and fleeting. [2] Godly character is true wealth that proves it genuine over time and through trials. [3] Those with earthly riches can be attractive for good times and distractions, but the challenges of life require a friend with character and loyalty. People around us need someone who will walk with them through good and bad times and never fail them. [4]

Throughout the Scriptures, God reveals true godliness involves being:

  • Righteous and holy.
  • Gracious and compassionate.
  • Faithful and just.

Pursuing these virtues of godliness is far more critical than acquiring monetary riches. These virtues are enduring. They help us deposit treasures into the hearts of those around us and with our Father in heaven. [5] As the voice from heaven said in John's Revelation of Jesus:

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." [6]

Those deeds that follow us are what we leave behind as our godly reputation — the kind of deeds that are more valuable than acquiring silver and gold that won't make the journey with us to our home with God.

[1] Esther 10:3; Proverbs 3:4; Ecclesiastes 7:1; 1 Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 11:39.
[2] Proverbs 27:24; Matthew 6:19-20; James 1:11.
[3] Proverbs 10:22, 11:18, 13:11, 16:8, 22:4.
[4] Proverbs 17:17, 20:6, 22:11; John 15:13.
[5] Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 16:15; Matthew 6:19-33; 1 Timothy 6:9.
[6] Revelation 14:13.

Today's Prayer

Abba Father, I offer you my heart, soul, mind, and boy to be transformed into your enduring character. I want a life that blesses those I meet and leaves a good reputation and an enduring legacy of goodness and faith. I want Your goodness to be the grace people discover when my life intersects with theirs. I pray for this not for my reputation but for Your goodness and grace to be extended through me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
  • Romans 5:1-4; Philippians 1:9-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 22:1 NLT — "Choose a good reputation over great riches;      being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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