“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1, NKJV). This verse asks us to rank two things against each other that our culture usually keeps separate: reputation built on character, and material wealth.
A good name here isn’t about fame or popularity. It’s about a trustworthy reputation, built over time through integrity rather than image management.
This is a hard ranking to actually live by when riches are visible and immediate while a good name is built slowly and often invisibly.
If you had to choose today between a shortcut to wealth and protecting your integrity, which would your recent choices suggest you actually value more?