Proverbs 22. v.1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” One of those sayings of which many illustrate an idea which can be seen in operation daily.
The value of a thing does not consist in its size, weight, not even its solidity. The abstract is often of more value than the concrete, as in this case.
Of some things the value is not reckoned in so many coins or notes. “Almighty dollar” is a misnomer for the simple reason that it is not almighty. For some things a receipt is not given although it is obvious that they are very valuable. Take the statement in its simplest sense and see the application in every-day life.
A reputation for honesty and fair dealing in business is a valuable asset, it builds up goodwill which is another abstract thing. goodwill is worth more actually in the long run than a bank balance or capital, because with a good name, capital is likely in increase but without it will inevitably grow less.
On the other hand, although a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, yet a business possessing both name and riches is in a bettere position still.
Looking more closely “rather to be chosen” introduces another idea -the idea of “choice”. If a matter of choice arises, say, if by a stroke of business it is possible to reap a large sum of money, but that stroke of business would be questionable or dishonorable, then let the riches go and keep the good name. Even in this life often, I think, it is policy to do so, for example, “Honesty is the best policy.”
Some go to extremes and assume from this that a good name and great riches cannot go together, but it does not say so, neither would it be true in all cases, although in many.
Jesus himself said that it is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God, not impossible. All the more credit to the rich man if he can attain.
Further, honesty and fair dealing are not the only attributes of a good name. Many virtues are needed by the disciple.
A man may have a good name for honesty but a bad name for drunkenness, a good name for justice but a bad name for kindness, a good name in business but a bad name in his home.
The only truly good name ever attained was that attained by Jesus Christ because from no direction could his name or character be assailed.
Gradually the truth is unfolding.
As a matter of fact, the good name we desire is not only rather to be chosen than riches, riches have nothing to do with it. A poor man is no less valuable in the sight of God than a rich man, nor more valuable of course simply on account of his poverty.
What did Christ mean when he said “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and shall separate you from their company and reproach you and cast out your name as evil, for the Son the Man’s sake? Is this contradictory? Is a bad name desirable? Is it complimentary?
A good name indeed is rather to be chosen than riches, but a bad name, in Christ’s sense, is rather to be chosen than a good name, Jesus, as usual, takes us higher.
The Book has an appeal on account of its practical good sense. It points out the advantages of leading a godly life, it prays, Prov.3,9: “Honor the Lord with thy substances, and with the first of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst our with new wine.”
Yet there is a higher standard than the Law of Moses, the standard of Christ.
You will agree that we want more than a religion which is a commercial proposition. Only to obey the Truth because it is a good investment, whilst a motive, is not the best one.
And so, a good name in the sight of men is valuable but not on object in itself. An evil name is sometimes a necessity.
Rev 3:1: And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write. These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, I know thy works, that thou hast a name that livest, and art dead. The ecclesia had a good name, but it was not true, so that a good name is not always a guarantee of good character although it may be very valuable.
The name we possess or which attached to us, is only an outward symbol of something deeper which is not always revealed to the public. When it is not, an ugly name is given to it, hypocrisy. The only name we need worry about is that by which God knows us.
So we find that Christ is always calling us to the ideal, the highest to which we cannot always attain the impossible ideal, so that we can always go higher still.
The combination of the ideal with the practical is one of the most difficult things in life.
The ideal state among brethren is mutual regard and affection with no harsh words nor unkind judgments. It is most obvious that we do not come anywhere near it, in fact it is almost lost sight of in our desire to get our own way.
Christ knew this would happen and laid down rules for guidance when brethren had grievances the blend of the ideal with the practical, But let there be no mistake, let not those who conform be satisfied with the ideal wretched and animosity is removed.
Peple ought to be keenly interested in Gods word. We endeavour to make them so and ourselves so, but they are not therefore we have lectures to lead them towards the ideal.
So we find Jess emphasizing the law, Love God. Actually only the law is needful in the ideal state. If we did love Him so there would be no need for negative commands because there would be no desire to disobey. It would be a law of liberty.
And so, combining the ideal with the practical the fear of God has its place.
We are only human but we strive alter the ideal. We serve God and Christ because we love to and desire no wrong.
We fall a long way short and so warning of punishment is needful. If you do so and so, the result will be painful. If you do so and so the result will be pleasurable.
Because God is the Father, He demands of us. His children, more than any law giver can do. The law is not concerned with our character but with our conduct. A father who is good wants his children to be good not merely to retrain from wicked acts.
Let us then be very careful lest our view of religion be continued to things we must not do. Let us not be satisfied with our condition if it is simply negative.
Jesus laid down certain principles, whereby, if we put them into operation in our lives, we shall have no desire to do the things which are forbidden and, on the other hand, shall be filled with love for Him, which will enrich our lives and make us active in His service.
He who learned to love His fellows truly and had true sympathy would have no need to bridle his tongue he who learned the beauty of true humility would have no need to fear the sin of pride and self-concert.
He who learns the true love of God whereby all capabilities are embraced in one ideal need fear nothing. Perfect love casteth our fear.
We shall not, of course learn that in this body of humiliation, it is to come.
May I conclude with an appeal for lofty ideals. Don’t lower the flag as we so often do. In our enthusiasm for a particular idea we do harm in other directions and show bad streaks of human nature and still in our enthusiasm (or obstinacy) we cannot see it.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom Yet the end. Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love the neighbour (fellow) as thyself. It is very searching very uncomfortable.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One