Bible Strands
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The verse opens Proverbs 22 and is immediately framed by a statement that the LORD is the Maker of both the rich and the poor.
The words — The Hebrew word שֵׁם (Shem) means a name, and חֵן (chen) means favor. These terms ground the verse’s direct comparison between reputation and material wealth.
The thread — The text repeats its claim in Ecclesiastes 7:1 and anticipates Luke 10:20, which shifts the focus from earthly reputation to a name recorded in heaven.
Why it lands — The text states that a good name and favor surpass great riches, silver, and gold. It requires a reader to measure value by what endures rather than by immediate material accumulation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Cross-references
- Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.
- Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
- 1 Kings 1:47 The king’s servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your own name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king has bowed in worship on his bed,
- Acts 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.
- Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
- Hebrews 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.