A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
loving favour rather than
Acts 7:10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
is more desirable than great riches;
This phrase highlights the value of character over material wealth. In a culture where wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, this proverb challenges the reader to prioritize ethical living and reputation over financial gain. The Bible frequently warns against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10, which warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The emphasis is on the eternal value of a good name compared to the temporary nature of riches.
favor is better than silver and gold.
Favor, or grace, refers to the approval and goodwill of others, which is often a result of having a good name. This favor can open doors and provide opportunities that wealth cannot. The Bible often speaks of God's favor as a blessing, as seen in Psalm 5:12, where the Lord blesses the righteous with favor as a shield. The comparison to silver and gold underscores the idea that divine and human favor are more valuable than even the most precious earthly treasures. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
“A good name…” (Proverbs 22:1) points to a reputation that reflects integrity, faithfulness, and godly character.
• Proverbs 10:7 reminds us, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.”
• Ecclesiastes 7:1 adds, “A good name is better than fine perfume.”
• Peter urges believers to “keep your conduct honorable” so that unbelievers “may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).
• Paul models this in 2 Corinthians 8:21, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.”
When we live transparently and righteously, our “name” becomes a quiet testimony to God’s work in us.
“…is more desirable than great riches;” (Proverbs 22:1). Scripture repeatedly warns that wealth is temporary, while character has eternal value.
• Jesus counsels, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).
• “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
• “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 11:4).
Choosing integrity over gain may cost in the short term, yet it secures an inheritance that can never perish (1 Peter 1:4).
“…favor is better than silver and gold.” Divine favor—and the goodwill it produces with others—outweighs material treasure.
• “Surely You bless the righteous; You surround them with favor as a shield” (Psalm 5:12).
• Joseph’s life shows how the Lord’s favor “granted him success in everything” (Genesis 39:21-23).
• Proverbs 3:3-4 urges us to bind love and faithfulness “around your neck… then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
• Even Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
Silver and gold can purchase comfort, but only God-given favor opens doors no bank account can match.
Proverbs 22:1 elevates character above cash. A reputation grounded in truth and grace is worth more than vaults of wealth. Material riches fade, yet the Lord’s favor—and the honorable name it produces—yields blessing for this life and the next. Choose integrity, seek God’s approval, and you will possess treasure no thief can steal.
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.
Verse 1. - A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. It will be observed that "good" in the Authorized Version is in italics, showing that the epithet is not expressed in the Hebrew, which is simply שֵׁם (shem), "name." But this word carried with it the notion of good repute, as in Ecclesiastes 7:1; for being well known implied honour and reputation, while being nameless (Job 30:8) signified not only obscurity, but ignominy and discredit. Hence the versions have ὄνομα καλόν, nomen bonum, and Ecclus. 41:12, "Have regard to thy name (περὶ ὀνόματος), for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold. A good life," the moralist continues, "hath but few days; but a good name endureth forever" (contrast Proverbs 10:7). And loving favour rather than silver and gold; or, more accurately, and before gold and silver grace is good; i.e. grace is far better than gold. Grace (chen) is the manner and demeanour which win love, as well as the favour and affection gained thereby; taken as parallel to "name," in the former hemistich, it means here "favour," the regard conceived by others for a worthy object. Publ. Syr., "Bona opinio hominum tutier pecunia est." The French have a proverb, "Bonne renommee vaut mieux que ceinture doree." The latter hemistich gives the reason for the assertion in the former - a good name is so valuable because it wins affection and friendship, which are far preferable to material riches,