Day 18
Proverbs 22:1,2 KJV
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and the poor meet together, the Lord is the maker of them all."
It is not how we look on the outside that makes us most attractive or unattractive. It is our inner beauty or ugliness that determines our true condition. We may be rich enough to dress in beautiful clothing decked with silver or gold, but if we cannot be trusted because there is no integrity inside, we may as well be naked.
In verse two, Solomon refers to the equality of rich and poor before God. God enjoys seeing us blessed financially and materially. However, He is not responsible for the riches of the crooked, nor is He pleased with them, because their hearts are not right. God enjoys participating in the prosperity of those who serve Him. The outward manifestation of material prosperity in our lives only pleases God if it goes along with spiritual prosperity on the inside.
We are not trusted and admired by the right people because of what we possess naturally, but because of what we possess spiritually. No riches can substitute for integrity, a good name and for loving favor. We will possess the more valuable riches when we aim to please God with each decision we make more than anything else. He will give us a good name and surround us with favor.
I will walk with God by faith and please Him. He will give me a good name and surround me with favor.