Proverbs 22:1
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that "favor" isn't just about being liked, but about having genuine "grace" in the eyes of others and God. This divine favor and the good reputation it builds are worth more than any amount of earthly wealth because they bring lasting influence and spiritual blessing.
This proverb opens a new section of Proverbs, shifting from advice for kings to general wisdom for all people. It introduces a core theme: the immense value of character and reputation over material wealth, setting the stage for practical life advice that follows.
We live in a world obsessed with financial success and material gain. But what if the Bible offers a different kind of currency, one that truly lasts?
Solomon opens Proverbs with a radical statement: a good reputation is more valuable than great riches. Think about it – fortunes can be lost overnight, but a strong character and a good name, earned through integrity and wise choices, are treasures that cannot be easily stripped away.
Beyond just a good name, the verse speaks of 'favor.' What does this 'favor' mean, and why is it more valuable than precious metals?
The second part of the verse elevates 'favor' above 'silver or gold.' This isn't just about being popular; it's about genuine connection and positive regard, particularly with God and with wise, godly people.
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 verse directly echoes Proverbs 22:1, stating that a good name and reputation are more valuable than riches or honor, highlighting the enduring worth of character over material wealth.
Matthew 6:33Jesus teaches us to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, implying that these spiritual pursuits (which lead to a good name in God's eyes and favor with Him) are more important than the material things we worry about acquiring, much like Proverbs values favor and a good name over earthly riches.
1 Samuel 2:30This passage shows God honoring those who honor Him, illustrating the principle that the favor of God, which is linked to a righteous life and a good name, is infinitely more valuable than any earthly possession or status.
Philippians 2:3-4Paul encourages humility and looking out for the interests of others, a mindset that cultivates a good name and favor. This contrasts with the pursuit of riches and emphasizes that true value lies in our relationships and godly character, not just personal gain.
This deuterocanonical text directly compares a name to treasure, stating that a good name lasts longer than a hoard of gold, reinforcing the wisdom found in Proverbs 22:1 about the superior value of reputation over wealth.
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.
The verse highlights that "favor" isn't just about being liked, but about having genuine "grace" in the eyes of others and God. This divine favor and the good reputation it builds are worth more than any amount of earthly wealth because they bring lasting influence and spiritual blessing.
This proverb opens a new section of Proverbs, shifting from advice for kings to general wisdom for all people. It introduces a core theme: the immense value of character and reputation over material wealth, setting the stage for practical life advice that follows.
This proverb opens a new section of Proverbs, shifting from advice for kings to general wisdom for all people. It introduces a core theme: the immense value of character and reputation over material wealth, setting the stage for practical life advice that follows.
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"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." — The verse highlights that "favor" isn't just about being liked, but about having genuine "grace" in the eyes of others and God. This divine favor and the good reputation it builds are worth more than…
