Proverbs 22:1 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. A good name - שם shem, a name, put for reputation, credit, fame. Used nearly in the same way that we use it: "He has got a name;" "his name stands high;" for "He is a man of credit and reputation." טבא toba, καλον, hamood, and bonum, are added by the Chaldee, Septuagint, Arabiac, and Vulgate, all signifying good or excellent.

Is rather to be chosen than great riches - Because character will support a man in many circumstances; and there are many rich men that have no name: but the word of the man of character will go farther than all their riches.

Proverbs 22:1

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and lovinga favour rather than silver and gold.