Proverbs 22:1:
1A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
"A good name" is the Hebrew word, "shem", which means: reputation, fame, glory, character, honor. It is a better choice to choose to be a person of great character that to be as some and compromise your reputation in order to get riches and wealth. Wealth gained at the expense of your character will NEVER repair your reputation! It's simply not ever worth it. Besides, the Word of God tells very specifically and in many places how to prosper the RIGHT way!
I have always loved verse 6 and we tried to raise our own children with that in mind!
6Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Two very important things to remember are that we are to train the children, which entails much more than just teaching principles. Training involves the "hands on" work of being an example and showing them the "Word" in action, and it is to be in keeping with who God made them! Their individual gift or bent! Training them properly will get them into the position to be of great benefit to the Kingdom of God! The other important thing to realize is that the promise is that when we take responsibility to do this training when they are young (right away, as soon as possible), they will not depart from it when they are old! That simply means to get the Word into their lives as soon as possible and "when they are old" (or "when they become a man!) they will NOT depart from it!
This Christian life would not be nearly as complicated to some believers I know IF they would consider this verse and realize that this is the #1 most important thing a believer can do AFTER loving the Lord our God with our whole being! Ephesians 5:1:
1THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].
We are to "copy" Him or be "imitators" of Him. What does that mean? It means that we should be thinking, speaking and acting in such a way that other people look at us and see JESUS! AMEN!
In 1 Chronicles 16 we see David that commissioned those who were to sing and give thanks to the Lord. Then we see the song that they sang! In chapter 17 we see David finding out that it is Solomon who will build the temple. God has a perfect plan and purpose for every believer, and that plan and purpose is the ONLY way to get rewards in Heaven and provide for ourselves and abundant entrance into Heaven! (2 Peter 1:11)
Shalom in Him!
