Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Names were and are important to God. God changed the names of some in Scripture to align with what He was doing in their lives – Abram to Abraham; Sarai to Sarah; Jacob to Israel. Jesus changed the names of some of His disciples to match their spirit – James and John to Boanerges and Simon to Peter. Some changed their names to hide their identity – Hadassah (myrtle) to Esther. Some changed their name because of their loss – Naomi to Mara. Some brought fame and honor to their names – David: man after God’s own heart”; Abraham: friend of God; Thomas: doubter.
Some names bring shame and reproach – Benedict Arnold; Judas Iscariot – both of these names are associated with traitor. One betrayed his newly forming country and the other betrayed the Son of God. Both of these names were good and people did not hesitate to name their children by these names. However, the deeds these two men did brought shame and reproach upon the very names they were given.
Our life and actions either bring grace and honor or shame and disgrace to our names. The reputation we earn often is associated with our name. Solomon says a good name is better than precious ointment. Ointment was used in healing and worship of God.
Names are used as symbols of events – such as Ichabod in the Bible The name means the glory has departed and the grandson of Eli was born at the time the ark was taken by the Philistines and the boy was named Ichabod.
The good or bad we do will adhere to us and symbolize our character – liar, thief, blasphemer, hero or victor. Through the years many have honored their names by living a righteous and holy life while others have gone the opposite way. We determine the effect of our names.
