SEPTEMBER 4, 2014
The
Barking Lion
Read: Proverbs
22:1-5
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. —Proverbs 22:1
Visitors to a zoo were
outraged when the “African lion” started barking instead of roaring. Zoo staff
said they had disguised a Tibetan mastiff—a very large dog—as a lion because
they could not afford the real thing. Needless to say, the zoo’s reputation was
sullied and people will think twice before visiting it.
Reputation is fragile;
once it’s damaged, it’s hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good
reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit. This too could be our
story. scripture encourages us: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great
riches” (Prov. 22:1). God is telling us that true value must be placed not in
what we have but in who we are.
Ancient Greek
philosopher Socrates said, “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to
be what you desire to appear.” As followers of Jesus, we bear His name. Because
of His love for us, we strive to walk worthy of Him, reflecting His likeness in
our words and deeds.
When we fail, He picks
us up again by His love. By our example, others around us will be led to praise
the God who has redeemed and transformed us (Matt. 5:16)—for the name of the
Lord is worthy of glory, honor, and all praise.
Lord, I do want to
walk worthy of Your name
because You have made
me Your own. I know
I can’t live
perfectly, but I want to reflect to others
a little of who You
are. Please show Yourself through me.
The purest treasure
mortal times afford is a spotless reputation. —Shakespeare
Insight
The book of Proverbs
is made up of several collections of wise sayings, with the majority coming
from the pen of wise King Solomon. Solomon’s proverbs of wisdom are contained
in 1:8–22:16, which are then followed by the sayings of other wise men in
22:17–24:34. More of Solomon’s wisdom, written down by Hezekiah’s men, is found
in chapters 25–29. The book of wisdom closes with Agur’s wise sayings in
chapter 30 and Lemuel’s words in chapter 31. All of this combines to make the
book of Proverbs a comprehensive collection of the wisdom of ancient Israel.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
