Working for a Good Name – Proverbs in Practice

Do you ever wonder, former procrastinators, is it worth it?  Is it worth the extra effort to think through something in order to come to a wise conclusion?  Is it worth it to follow the ways of the Lord? To go the extra mile in a situation?  Today, two proverbs encourage us in this way.

But first, a verse that isn’t so obviously related to that topic as it is to procrastination.

“A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.”  Proverbs 16:26

A hungry man is willing to work for food or for wages that will buy him food.  2 Thessalonians 3:10 says if a man won’t work, he shouldn’t eat.  If someone is too lazy to work to acquire nourishment that will sustain his life, let him pay the consequences. The point is, being hungry is good motivation to work.

We might be hungry for something else like a prize given for a school paper or a raise awarded because of increased sales.  Incentives help us get going and strive for accomplishment.

My friend was infatuated with her new baby girl.  When the baby was several months old, the mom took her to the doctor because she was not rolling over.  After some questions the doctor said, “Mom, you have to put the baby down and allow her to become discontent.  By carrying her every moment of the day, she never has a chance to want for anything.  Wanting a change will help her turn over.”  Likewise, we put our grandchild’s toys out of reach so she’ll be motivated to crawl to them.   

Are you hungry for an orderly home?  Time to read scripture?  Something else?  Hungry enough to work for it?

Now, these two.

“The righteous who walks in his integrity – blessed are his children after him!”  Proverbs 20:2

Far greater than money is leaving our children the legacy of a mom or grandmother who demonstrates integrity.  Such a person is righteous and has integrity because of the Lord.  My dear Mrs. Owens told me a long time after Dr Owens had died, that someone in town voluntarily helped her because he admired Dr. Owens’ character.  She gratefully said, “Bennett is gone, but I still benefit from who he was.”  That’s leaving a legacy.

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”  Proverbs 22:1

This was one of my mother’s favorite verses.  She had a good name and I am grateful.  She set the example of daily Bible reading, sacrificial work, serving others, and as someone said to me, she “always was the same person no matter who she was with.”  That comment showed favor as did the treatment of Mrs. Owens.

Maybe these are more related than I thought.  Are we hungry enough for a godly legacy that we will maintain integrity and a good name?

If there’s anything that mars your name, what can you do to regain your integrity?