Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

The book of Proverbs is full of wise sayings. It has been called the book of wisdom because of these opening words: “The proverbs of Solomon.”

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He got his wisdom from God. When he replaced his father David as the king of Israel, his one request was that God would give him wisdom.

He could have asked for riches or fame, but he asked only for wisdom. Impressed with his desire for wisdom, God promised to give him riches and fame also.

Not only was Solomon the wisest man in the world. He was also the richest and most famous. He wrote that a good name is to be chosen more than great riches, in Proverbs 22:1,

A young boy had just finished his first day of Kindergarten.

When his mother picked him up after school, she noticed that his name tag said “Mike.”

She couldn’t understand why it said “Mike” when his name was Christopher. She asked him about it, and he replied, “Mom, the teacher asked me what I would like to be called.”

Acts 11:26 tells us that the disciples were called “Christians” for the first time in the city of Antioch. They were called by that name by those who despised the name of Christ.

That name is above every name, according to Philippians 2:9. At that name every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”