Can you make a detailed, exegetical, alliterated and expository baptist sermon about Proverbs 22:1?

**Title: The Priceless Power of a Good Name** **Text: Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)** - "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." **Introduction:** Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to unpack the profound wisdom found in Proverbs 22:1. This simple yet powerful verse speaks to the essence of our identity and the values we uphold in our lives. It warns us of the fleeting nature of material wealth while heralding the eternal significance of a good reputation. As we delve into this verse, I will outline three key points, all revolving around the theme of "name": **Character, Choice, and Consequence.** ### I. Character: The Foundation of a Good Name 1. **Definition of a Good Name:** - A good name symbolizes more than just our title; it embodies our character—the collection of virtues and ethics that define who we are in the sight of God and man. Proverbs consistently urges believers to pursue righteousness and wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-6). 2. **Divine Reflection of Character:** - When we embody Christlike qualities—integrity, honesty, and humility—we reflect the character of God. As followers of Christ, our names should evoke respect and admiration, not just in the church but also in our communities, as seen in Proverbs 10:7: “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” 3. **Investing in Character:** - Our character is an investment; it's built through daily choices and actions. James 1:2-4 warns us about trials, teaching us that perseverance strengthens our character. Just as gold is refined through fire, so too is our character shaped through life's challenges. ### II. Choice: The Call to Value a Good Name 1. **Conscious Decision:** - The verse emphasizes the act of choosing: “A good name is to be chosen.” This highlights that we are not passive observers; we must actively pursue a reputation that pleases God. Choosing a good name involves deliberate actions and decisions. 2. **Contrast with Material Wealth:** - The passage juxtaposes a good name with great riches. While society often equates success with financial gain, the Word reminds us that worldly wealth is temporary. Matthew 6:19-21 teaches us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. 3. **A Lifetime of Choices:** - Our daily choices accumulate over time and craft our legacy. Psalm 112:6 states, “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.” Every choice we make, from our business dealings to our interactions with others, shapes our name. ### III. Consequence: The Impact of a Good Name 1. **Influence on Others:** - A good name not only reflects our character but also influences those around us. It can be a beacon of hope and a source of encouragement for others. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” 2. **Attracting Favor:** - The second part of our verse states that “favor is better than silver or gold.” A good name attracts goodwill and blessings from both God and man. Just as Ruth found favor in Boaz (Ruth 2:10), our good name can lead to divine opportunities. 3. **Eternal Impact:** - Ultimately, how we choose to cultivate our name has eternal implications. Revelation 3:5 tells us that those who remain faithful will have their names written in the Book of Life. Our reputation may fade in the eyes of men, but a life lived in accordance with God’s will remains forever. ### Conclusion: As we conclude, let us reflect on the value of our name. In a world that often prioritizes wealth over character, let us commit to a life of integrity, making choices that align with our values, and understanding the far-reaching consequences of our actions. May we strive to write our story in such a way that our names will be synonymous with righteousness and honor. **Call to Action:** Today, I challenge you to evaluate your own name and the legacy you are building. Are there areas in your life where you need to make better choices? Are you focusing on material gain instead of the true treasures of character and favor? Let’s commit ourselves to the path of wisdom, recognizing the priceless power of a good name. Amen!