Why A Good Name and Respect Are Valuable
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
None of us like it when we are disrespected. Disrespect may come in various ways—a scornful look, caustic words, a distasteful joke at our expense, or a slap on the face, physically or figuratively.
Every person wants a measure of respect. A sense of being appreciated and valued. It’s a basic desire—perhaps more of a need to gain a healthy psyche. A man wants respect from a woman and women want and need respect from men more than just to be admired.
This was the impetus for the song Respect. Otis Redding—the great R&B singer who was way too young when he died tragically—wrote it from a man’s point of view. A few years later, Aretha Franklin rewrote it (R-E-S-P-E-C-T) from a woman’s perspective, and this pop version became more popular than the original.
Why were these two songs so well-liked? Because they spoke of the basic human desire and psychological need for significance. Throughout Proverbs, the writer poses as a father speaking to a son. The father appeals to the son to heed his fatherly wisdom. As much as parents want their children to respect them, it’s also important for parents to respect and value their children.
Sadly, the basic idea of respect can morph into an unhealthy desire when distorted by popular culture, where it takes on a much harder edge. When intimidation and pretense take the place of respect—like a tough action hero or an idolized celebrity—it becomes a caricature of respect.
Solomon was a great king—wealthy, powerful, and highly esteemed beyond the borders of Israel. At the beginning of Proverbs 22, Solomon gives us a simple insight into how he views what respect is and why it is valuable.
Scripture
A good name is more desirable than great wealth.
Respect is better than silver or gold.
The rich and the poor have this in common:
the Lord is the maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:1-2 GW)
(Context— (Proverbs 22:1-9 GW)
Simple insights
A good name and respect speak of a person with integrity of character—something far deeper than a projected image. An imposter projects a facade—an external representation—but the imposter is a fraud underneath. A popular example would be Frank Abagnale of the, Catch Me If You Can, book and movie fame. At one point, he impersonates an airline pilot and later he poses as a doctor, but eventually, the cons, forgeries, and frauds catch up with him.
Solomon—a man of exceptional wisdom and wealth—says a good name and respect are more valuable than great wealth. They have an incorruptible and lasting value. True respect is anchored in character. It’s not something we can demand, as in the two songs titled “Respect,” nor is it something to be commanded through projecting an enviable persona.
People who have integrity of character gain respect because of who they are. Respect doesn’t come because they project a powerful image. They garner respect because of how they live and treat others.
We can describe integrity in these ways—decency, goodness, honesty, virtue, trustworthiness, soundness, completeness, honorable, and truthfulness. These qualities have nothing to do with appearance or possessions. These are not external but internal qualities of a person’s character.
The context of these verses in Proverbs reveals that a good name and respect are tied to respect and awe for God (see verse 4). Whatever God entrusts to us—whether wealth, status, health, or some other benefit is not tied to chance. The poor and rich have the same Creator.
We are created in the image of God. When we have a personal relationship with God by faith, He gives us a new nature (2 Peter 1:3-4), and the opportunity to develop good character (2 Peter 1:5-8). But for believers, our personal relationship with the Lord and His goodness anchor good character.
Reflection—
True respect is anchored in character. A person who has a character with integrity gains respect because of who they are. They don’t project an image of respect, they reflect who they are by how they live and treat others.
Prayer Focus—
If you want the genuine respect that a good name carries, pray for integrity. Ask the Lord to help you develop the qualities of integrity for everyday life and for help with treating people with respect and grace.
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