A Good Name is Better Than Riches

PROVERBS 22:1

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.


When my husband and I first got married we struggled financially like many newlyweds. Neither of us liked being poor. We were born strivers. Our desire was to strive to live better. Yet we weren't the materialistic type either. We didn't necessarily desire a large house or fancy car. Expensive clothes were not our taste. We just desired to live comfortably.

As the years went on and children came on the scene we found ourselves more and more in debt. Government assistance became a necessity. I didn't like it one bit. But for the sake of the kids I gave in. After all, most of our expenses were doctor bills due to having children with rare disorders.

My husband is wonderful. He has learned many trades over the years. That has helped us greatly in the financial world. But it did come at a cost; a cost I am proud to claim.

I remember the first opportunity my husband got that would greatly increase our income. A friend taught him a trade that he would normally need College to learn. This friend also helped get my husband a job in this field. It increased our income by 33%. We were blessed yet we were still struggling to keep food on the table, kids fed and doctor bills paid.

Then came the opportunity to really increase our income. This same friend had moved on to another company that offered a great increase in pay. My husband could get on board if he so desired. But something was awry.

I don't remember the details but I remember my husband having to face a decision that could either prosper us financially or leave us in the rut. In order for my husband to get the position he was in he was going to have to lie. That was unsettling.

I will never forget the statement our friend made. He said, "Sometimes you have to lie to get yourself to the top." That grated against my spirit worse than fingernails on a chalkboard. That was not how we modeled our lives.

My husband chose to decline the position and fully trust that God would make a way for us to be back on top; and this based solely on truth. Did God come through? Yes. Did it happen instantly? No!

We continued to struggle for years. The kids got sicker and the cost of living kept rising. We did not waiver in our faith. We knew that God would provide for us. The Word of God said it. But we were determined to do it His way, not man's.

As we remained faithful to God in our giving and learning to be faithful in our spending, it opened doors for God to bless us. Are we rich? According to whose standards? God has prospered us in more ways than money. Yes we live comfortably, much of the time. The wisdom we have gained over the last 16 years is far worth more than anything this world has to offer.

We chose God's Word over an increase in pay. We chose a good name over silver and gold. For our faithfulness God has poured on His blessings and will continue to do so as we remain faithful.

God wants to bless you too. Remain faithful to Him and His Word and it will open a door of blessing.

Psalm 128:1-2
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
God Bless~