30 Days in ProverbsSample

Proverbs 22 is one of those chapters that really gets to the heart of who we are and what we leave behind. In a world that measures success by numbers—how much money we make, how many followers we have, how big our platform is—the very first verse calls us to consider something far more valuable: our name. Our reputation. Our character.

Think about it—how important is your name to you? Not in a prideful sense, but in the way it reflects the kind of person you are. Verse 1 reminds us that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (ESV). That’s a bold statement in our success-driven culture. Yet Scripture is clear: integrity, kindness, and humility outlast the fleeting sparkle of wealth. They’re the true treasures.

I’ve prayed this verse many times—especially when stepping into new opportunities or when I’ve felt my character under a microscope. At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t the size of our paycheck but the state of our hearts. Dear friend, a good name rooted in godly character is worth more than any dollar amount you’ll ever earn.

And then comes a verse so many parents cling to: verse 6. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (ESV). Parenting is no small calling. God entrusts us with little hearts and minds to shape, to guide, to point toward Him. This isn’t just about rules or behavior modification—it’s about modeling integrity, faith, and love in the everyday moments. The foundation you lay in your child’s early years can serve as a compass long after they’re grown.

Of course, that doesn’t mean our kids won’t wander or wrestle with their faith. Many do. But we can trust the Lord with their journeys, believing that seeds planted in love and truth will remain. Discipline, as verse 15 reminds us, is also part of that process. While the word may make us uncomfortable, at its core, discipline is love—it’s guidance and correction that help steer children away from foolishness and toward wisdom.

Proverbs 22 ultimately paints a picture of what matters most: living with integrity and raising the next generation with intention. May we choose a good name over riches, invest in character over accolades, and trust God as we faithfully sow into the lives He’s placed in our care.