A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

— Proverbs 22:1

In the Bible a name represents the person, just as it does in the third of the Ten Commandments—”Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”

We are all concerned for the reputation of our good name. We have laws against those that would besmirch our name because they are besmirching us. And for those who hold God in contempt and drag Him in the mud, there is a penalty. God says, ” … for the Lord will not hold guiltless anyone who takes His name in vain.” There is no menace here. It is simply a statement of a fact.

Ultimately, having a good name comes from putting our faith in Jesus. A good reputation comes from good and sound living. If we are known for our honesty, hard work, kind words, helpfulness, and generosity, we will have a good name among people. It takes time and effort. It also takes a moment to ruin a reputation. We should be as zealous for God’s reputation as we are for our own.

Question to ponder:
What type of reputation before others do you think you have? What can we do to honor God and His good name?