A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb isn't just about reputation; it highlights that the "name" itself, the very essence of who you are, is more valuable than any material wealth. The "favor" mentioned isn't just being liked, but a deeper grace that wins genuine love and esteem, proving far more precious than anything you can buy with gold.
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter opens with practical wisdom, setting the stage for a collection of proverbs focused on wise living and good character. Following the previous chapter which cautioned against arrogance and impulsivity, this verse offers foundational advice on what truly holds value, emphasizing reputation and relationships over material wealth. It acts as a guiding principle for the discerning heart as the book continues to explore various aspects of life, from humility to diligence to the consequences of folly.
We often hear 'it's not what you know, but who you know.' But Proverbs flips this, asking what truly makes a name valuable.
Proverbs is making a bold statement here about reputation. It says a 'name' – meaning your reputation, your character, how people see your integrity and worth – is more precious than tons of gold or piles of silver.
More Than Just a Label
Silver and gold can buy many things, but what can they not buy? Proverbs tells us favor is the better investment.
The second half of the verse broadens this idea beyond just reputation to 'favor.' This is about having goodwill, the esteem and affection of others, and even God's approval.
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Favor: A Divine and Human Treasure
Understand the original words
shem · Hebrew Noun
Reputation, character, or the essence of one's identity. In a biblical context, it signifies one's moral standing and the way one is perceived by God and others.
chen · Hebrew Noun
Grace, acceptance, or goodwill. It often refers to God's unmerited favor toward humans or the standing one has in the eyes of others.
osher · Hebrew Noun
Wealth, material possessions, or abundance. While neutral in itself, it is frequently contrasted with spiritual values, warning against greed and reliance on earthly treasure.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 22:1 by stating that 'a good name is better than precious ointment,' emphasizing that reputation is more valuable than fine fragrances, which parallels the idea of being more valuable than material wealth.
Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches His followers not to store up treasures on earth, where they can be lost, but to store up treasures in heaven, highlighting the enduring value of spiritual and eternal riches over temporary earthly possessions.
Philippians 4:8This verse encourages believers to focus their minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, indirectly guiding them toward building a reputation based on godly character rather than worldly gain.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, suggesting that the pursuit of riches can lead to spiritual decay, making a good name and favor with God far more desirable.
This Apocryphal text explicitly states, 'Have regard to your name; for it continues with you longer than a thousand great treasures of gold,' directly reinforcing the Proverb's central theme of the lasting worth of reputation.
bensonProverbs 22:1: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."
Proverbs 22:1 . A good name — A good reputation among wise and good men; is rather to be chosen than great riches — That is, we should be more careful to pursue that course of life, and do those things, by which we may obtain and retain a good name, than that way and those things by which we may raise and increase a great estate. For great riches bring great cares with them, and…
ellicottProverbs 22:1: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."
XXII. (1) Loving favour.—Or, favour is better than silver and gold. “Favour” may signify the grace which wins love, as well as the favour gained thereby.
This proverb isn't just about reputation; it highlights that the "name" itself, the very essence of who you are, is more valuable than any material wealth. The "favor" mentioned isn't just being liked, but a deeper grace that wins genuine love and esteem, proving far more precious than anything you can buy with gold.
This chapter opens with practical wisdom, setting the stage for a collection of proverbs focused on wise living and good character. Following the previous chapter which cautioned against arrogance and impulsivity, this verse offers foundational advice on what truly holds value, emphasizing reputation and relationships over material wealth. It acts as a guiding principle for the discerning heart as the book continues to explore various aspects of life, from humility to diligence to the consequences of folly.
This chapter opens with practical wisdom, setting the stage for a collection of proverbs focused on wise living and good character. Following the previous chapter which cautioned against arrogance and impulsivity, this verse offers foundational advice on what truly holds value, emphasizing reputation and relationships over material wealth. It acts as a guiding principle for the discerning heart as the book continues to explore various aspects of life, from humility to diligence to the consequences of folly.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." — This proverb isn't just about reputation; it highlights that the "name" itself, the very essence of who you are, is more valuable than any material wealth. The "favor" mentioned isn't just being like…
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Last reviewed October 2026