July 15, 2025
The Gold of Christian Character
A good name is worth more than great riches – true esteem begins in the heart
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Bible Text
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)
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Introduction
What matters more to you: being popular or being a person of integrity?
In a world where likes, followers, and image often count more than character, the Bible reminds us of something far deeper: “A good name is better than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). But what does that really mean in your everyday life? And why is character so valuable in God’s eyes?
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Devotional
In Proverbs 22:1 we read:
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”
A good name here means more than just a good reputation – it’s about character. It’s about what people associate with your name: honesty, compassion, faithfulness, love, integrity. These are values that, in God’s eyes, are like pure gold. Ellen White wrote:
“A noble character is the result of self-discipline, the subjection of the lower to the higher nature – the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.”
(Education, p. 57)
God does not measure your worth by your success or appearance, but by your heart. Character is a treasure that does not fade – it remains even when everything else passes away.
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Story: “The Lost Role on Stage”
Mara was 16 and loved theater. Since 7th grade, she had worked her way up on the school stage – from background roles to supporting parts, and finally, in her final year, to a lead role. Her teacher often said, “Mara, you shine on stage – but your character shines even more.” And Mara knew what she meant. She always tried to be fair, helped others even if they were competitors, and focused on doing what was right – not just what looked good.
Rehearsals were intense. The premiere was approaching. Then something unexpected happened: One of her classmates, Lea, missed a crucial cue and nearly caused an accident on stage. The director was furious – and wrongly assumed Mara had deliberately misled her. It was a misunderstanding. But because Lea remained silent, all the blame fell on Mara.
They threatened to remove her from the role.
Mara stood at a crossroads: Should she speak the truth and expose Lea – or stay silent and bear the consequences, even though she was innocent?
She chose silence.
She simply said: “I know what happened – and so does God. I don’t need to prove my worth by putting someone else down.”
Lea overheard her words. That night, she couldn’t sleep. Her parents noticed something was bothering her. The next day, she went to the teacher and confessed everything.
Mara got her role back – but more importantly: she left behind a reputation that was greater than applause. Her class talked about her attitude for weeks. Even students who weren’t religious said: “That kind of character – that’s impressive. She didn’t defend herself, she just did what was right. Just like that.”
Years later – Mara, now an adult – ran into a former classmate on the bus. The girl said:
“I don’t remember the play anymore. But I remember you. Since then, I’ve wanted to live in a way that my character means more than my image. Thank you for who you were back then.”
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Reflection on the Story
Mara didn’t win wealth.
No trophy. No headline.
But she gained something far more valuable: A name worthy of respect – and a legacy that lasted.
This is exactly what Proverbs 22:1 means:
A good name is more desirable than great riches.
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Thoughts – What Does This Mean for You?
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What do people associate with your name?
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Does your name stand for kindness, honesty, faithfulness – or something else?
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Character isn’t what you show when everyone is watching – it’s who you are when no one sees.
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God calls you to guard your character like gold – not to impress others, but because you are called to reflect Jesus.
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Today’s Reflections
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Be consciously honest today – even if it costs you.
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Speak well of someone – even if there’s nothing in it for you.
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Act in a way that you can be proud of – even when no one sees.
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Remember: Your character is your testimony.
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Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You do not judge us by our appearance or success, but by our hearts.
Please help me become a person with a pure and strong character.
Teach me to be faithful, honest, and loving – just like Jesus.
Give me the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Shape my name with goodness and truth. Amen.
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Takeaway
A good character is worth more than all the gold in the world – nurture it with love and truth.
