THE Holy Scriptures in Proverbs 22:1 reminds us: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” These words, though they were penned thousands of years ago, carry a timeless truth.
In a world obsessed with wealth accumulation, status symbols, and material possessions, the idea that one’s reputation outweighs monetary riches can seem counter-cultural.
Yet, the principle remains relevant: wealth can open doors, but a good name keeps them open.
A good name is not just about popularity; it is about trustworthiness, integrity and credibility.
A good name is the total of how people perceive your character and conduct over time.
Riches can be inherited, won, or even stolen, but a good name must be earned. It is built through consistent honesty, fairness and a commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
When a person or organisation has a good name, opportunities often follow naturally.
Investors are drawn to companies they can trust. Talented employees gravitate towards workplaces known for fairness and ethical leadership.
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Even banks, whose decisions hinge on risk assessment, are more willing to extend credit to businesses and individuals with strong reputations.
The reverse is equally true: no matter how much wealth one possesses, a tarnished name can close doors faster than gold can open them.
Consider the countless high-profile scandals that have brought down the mighty. Wealthy companies have collapsed overnight because of corruption, dishonesty or negligence. The riches that took decades to accumulate can vanish in an instant when trust is broken.
Rebuilding a damaged reputation is far harder than building it from scratch. Money can be regained, but once a good name is lost, it is difficult, sometimes impossible, to restore.
The value of a good name extends beyond the business world to personal relationships and community life.
A person with a good name is more likely to be recommended for opportunities, trusted with responsibilities and welcomed to networks of influence. Friends and neighbours rally to their side in times of need. Strangers are more willing to extend kindness and assistance.
As the old saying goes, “Your reputation walks into the room before you do.”
From a moral and spiritual perspective, the pursuit of a good name aligns with the virtues that society needs to thrive — honesty, humility, diligence and compassion.
While riches can be used for good, they can also corrupt and blind us to the needs of others.
A good name, however, is rooted in service and respect. It reflects a life lived not for selfish gain, but for the benefit of others.
Reputation management, whether at a personal or organisational level, is, therefore, not optional; it is a strategic necessity. This does not mean obsessively curating an image for public consumption or hiding flaws behind polished marketing. It means living and operating in a way that is consistently aligned with one’s stated values.
It means telling the truth even when it is inconvenient, owning up to mistakes instead of covering them up and treating people — whether clients, colleagues or strangers —with dignity.
Crises will come. Mistakes will be made. But if a strong foundation of trust and integrity has been built over time, those storms can be weathered.
In the same way that a healthy immune system resists disease, a good name provides resilience against the damaging effects of unforeseen setbacks.
In some cases, a reputation for transparency and accountability can even turn a potential crisis into an opportunity for growth.
The temptation to sacrifice a good name for quick gain is ever-present. The allure of instant wealth can lead individuals to compromise their principles — engaging in dishonest deals, cutting corners or exploiting others.
History and experience show that such shortcuts rarely end well. The riches gained through questionable means may bring temporary pleasure, but they often leave behind a legacy of regret.
In contrast, those who prioritise their name over their net worth leave an inheritance of far greater value than money.
Parents, who model integrity, pass on to their children something more enduring than property or bank accounts — they pass on a family reputation that opens doors and earns respect for generations.
Leaders who guard their good name inspire loyalty and trust among their followers, laying a foundation for lasting influence.
Finally, Proverbs 22:1 is not a call to reject wealth, but a reminder to put it in its proper place.
Riches are useful, but they are not ultimate. They can buy comfort but not respect; luxury but not loyalty. A good name, however, enriches every sphere of life. It is the kind of wealth that cannot be stolen, taxed or devalued by inflation.
So whatever we do — whether in business, politics, community service or family life — let us ensure that our actions are worthy of honour.
Let us live in such a way that when our name is mentioned, it brings a smile, not a frown; admiration, not suspicion. For in the end, a good name is not just better than riches — it is the true measure of a life well lived.
