Finding Wisdom in Proverbsනියැදිය

Character

More Precious than Gold

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

Dr. Pritchard’s son. That’s how most folks knew me.

Of all the gifts we can give to our children, none is greater than the gift of a good name. In the small town in Alabama where I grew up, my father was a well-known and greatly loved physician. Four of us Pritchard boys grew up in that small town. Outside our circle of friends, we were known as “Dr. Pritchard’s sons.” That meant a certain responsibility was laid on our shoulders. We had to live up to the good name our father had established. And we knew — boy, did we know! — that if we ever got into trouble, our misbehavior would reflect badly on our father.

My father died almost 50 years ago. Even still, when I visit my hometown, someone always recognizes me as “Dr. Pritchard’s son.” Such is the power of a good name; such is the enduring relationship that lasts long after a father has died.

The sweetest compliment anyone can ever pay me is to say, “Your father would be proud of you.” He had a good name, a name that has lasted longer than his own life. When I teach my boys about their grandfather, I pass that good name down to the next generation.

I find it interesting that Solomon compares riches to a good name. Money is good, but how others esteem you is much more important.

What will you have to show for your life when it is over? What legacy will you leave behind? What good will money do you after you are dead? You can’t spend it, you can’t invest it, you can’t even give it away. The same goes for all that money can buy — stocks and bonds, a business, a college degree, a nice home, two cars in the garage, and a summer home in the country. They all stay behind when you die.

Most of what you work for will be left behind when they lower you into the ground. Your money is no big deal. Somebody else gets it after you’re gone. Your position at work? It’s filled before the funeral. Your degrees, your awards, your prized possessions? Nice stuff, but it’s gathering dust in the attic.

Is there anything at all you can take with you when you die? I can think of only two things. Neither has anything to do with money.

One is character; the other is relationships. After you are gone, we’ll remember two things about you: what kind of person you were and how you treated people. God says you can live your life any way you want. But when it’s over, only two things will remain for eternity — your character and your relationships. The rest goes up in smoke.

Your money will vanish, but your character will stay with you forever.

Lord, help me focus on the things that matter so that when the smoke clears, I’ll have something to show for my life on earth. Amen.

1. What kind of “name” did your parents leave for you to inherit?

2. If you have children, what kind of “name” are you leaving them?

3. Why is it that a good name is more important than silver or gold?