Matthew Henry on Proverbs 22:1

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry · Public domain; electronic edition by Christian Classics Ethereal Library

Here are two things which are more valuable and which we should covet more than great riches:—1. To be well spoken of: A name (that is, a good name, a name for good things with God and good people) is rather to be chosen than great riches; that is, we should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name than that by which we may raise and increase a great estate.

Great riches bring great cares with them, expose men to danger, and add no real value to a man. A fool and a knave may have great riches, but a good name makes a man easy and safe, supposes a man wise and honest, redounds to the glory of God, and gives a man a greater opportunity of doing good.

By great riches we may relieve the bodily wants of others, but by a good name we may recommend religion to them. 2. To be well beloved, to have an interest in the esteem and affections of all about us; this is better than silver and gold.

Christ has neither silver nor gold, but he grew in favour with God and man, Luke 2:52. This should teach us to look with a holy contempt upon the wealth of this world, not to set our hearts upon that, but with all possible care to think of those things that are lovely and of good report, Philippians 4:8.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 22:1We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name, than to raise or add unto a great estate.Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 22:1Riches or reputation Both of these things are good in their way and in their measure. They may be held together, for many wealthy men have enjoyed s good name and much "loving favour." But it is not given to all men to…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 22:1-5The general conditions of a good name I. WHAT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ITS FOUNDATION. 1. Riches. (Proverbs 22:1.) Riches have their worth; reputation has its worth; but the latter is of an order altogether different from th…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 22:1-29EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 22:1-16The theme of the earlier part of the chapter may be said to be the good name: the blessings in the possession of it, and the conditions for the acquirement of it—partly negatively, partly positively, described.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 22:1A good name and loving favour Both of these blessings—which, indeed, are closely allied—are here preferred to great riches. It is better to be poor with either than rich with neither. Let us examine the excellence of ea…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 22:1A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. It will be observed that "good" in the Authorized Version is in italics, showing that the epithet is not expressed in the Hebrew, which is simply שֵׁם (shem), "name.…Joseph S. Exell and contributors devotionThe Most Important JobRyle said the most neglected verse in the Bible might be Proverbs 22:6. We love the promise but skip the work. Train — not hope, not wish, not expose. Train. What are you specifically doing?J.C. Ryle / DiscipleDeck