MARCH 16, 2015
A Good Name
A
good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. —Proverbs 22:1
Read:
Proverbs
10:2-15
Charles Ponzi’s name
will be forever associated with the financial fraud scheme he elevated to a way
of life. After some minor financial crimes and brief times in jail, in early
1920 he began offering investors a 50 percent return on their money in 45 days
and a 100 percent return in 90 days. Although it seemed too good to be true,
the money poured in. Ponzi used money from new investors to pay prior investors
and fund his lavish lifestyle. By the time his fraud was discovered in August
1920, investors had lost 20 million dollars and five banks had failed. Ponzi
spent 3 years in prison, was later deported to Italy, and died penniless in
1949 at the age of 66.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the
reputations of wise and foolish people: “The memory of the righteous is
blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. . . . He who walks with integrity
walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known” (Prov. 10:7,9).
Solomon sums it up by saying, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
loving favor rather than silver and gold” (22:1).
We seek a good name, not to honor ourselves but to glorify
Christ our Lord whose name is above all names.
Lord, You know what is best, and You desire to lead us in paths
that are right and good. Give us the courage to trust and to follow You in the
way of right living for Your name’s sake.
A good name honors our
great God.
INSIGHT:
The book of Proverbs provides good advice on how to live wisely. When reading
the proverbs, it is important to understand that they are sayings about life
that are usuallytrue. Proverbs are not promises, but they contain observations
about the principle of cause and effect at work in our lives.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012