Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Today’s Text: Proverbs 22:1-16
Key Verse: Proverbs 22:1 (ESV): “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”
If the issue of our reputation and conduct are not so important to God, two entire books of the Bible would not be devoted to helping us live wise lives regarding our identity—Proverbs in the Old Testament, and James in the New. And so, it’s important for us to meditate on why Solomon in his wisdom thinks and says if one has to choose between silver and gold, and an honorable reputation (good name), he should choose honorable reputation. He understood by experience the folly and vanity of wealth: how it is easy, in the name and for the sake of wealth to cut corners; sell one’s soul to Satan; stab friends in the back; whore after strange things (including women and gods); do injustice to employees; rob employers; skirt standards to improve profits, cheat on taxes, pay workers badly, and sell shoddy goods—all for the sake of wealth and to the negligence and detriment of whatever happens to your name in the open book of God.
Solomon’s son, Rehoboam ignored his father’s counsel and chose wealth over reputation. Therefore, he lost the love and respect of his people—which led to the division and loss of most of his kingdom. He is a spiritual type and father of today’s Christians and ministers who regard riches and power over godly character and honor. Mother Teresa could not be counted among the rich, yet she shaped a life of great reputation by pursuing integrity and touching lives. She’s been dead since 1997 yet till this day, the whole world still preserves the nobility of her name. Whereas no hyssop may clear the tarnished names of Idi Amin Dada Oumee, Sani Abacha and other wealthy men. That’s why verse 5 cautions us that “thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.” By no means or standard is riches better than uprightness and the fear of God. So, friends, if you have to choose between a good reputation and wealth, please choose a good reputation.
Quote for the Day: “Fame is false reputation—especially when sought without regard for decency, decorum and good report.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, You have put your name upon me, which I bear before the world. Please help me live worthy of that name so that who I am, what I do and what I say, or refuse to do or say, shall be living reflection of who You are,, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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