THE Holy Scriptures in Proverbs 22:1 reminds us: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
These words, though they were penned thousands of years ago, carry a timeless truth In a world obsessed with wealth accumulation, status symbols, and material possessions, the idea that one’s reputation outweighs monetary riches can seem counter-cultural Yet, the principle remains relevant: wealth can open doors, but a good name keeps them open A good name is not just about popularity; it is about trustworthiness, integrity and credibility
A good name is the total of how people perceive your character and conduct over time Riches can be inherited, won, or even stolen, but a good name must be earned It is built through consistent honesty, fairness and a commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching
When a person or organisation has a good name, opportunities often follow naturally Investors are drawn to companies they can trust Talented employees gravitate towards workplaces known for fairness and ethical leadership
Even banks, whose decisions hinge on risk assessment, are more willing to extend credit to businesses and individuals with strong reputations The reverse is equally true: no matter how much wealth one possesses, a tarnished name can close doors faster than gold can open them Consider the countless high-profile scandals that have brought down the mighty
Wealthy companies have collapsed overnight because of corruption, dishonesty or negligence The riches that took decades to accumulate can vanish in an instant when trust is broken Rebuilding a damaged reputation is far harder than building it from scratch Money can be regained, but once a good name is lost, it is difficult, sometimes impossible, to restore
The value of a good name extends beyond the business world to personal relationships and community life As the old saying goes, “Your reputation walks into the room before you do.” From a moral and spiritual perspective, the pursuit of a good name aligns with the virtues that society needs to thrive — honesty, humility, diligence and compassion While riches can be used for good, they can also corrupt and blind us to the needs of others
A good name, however, is rooted in service and respect It reflects a life lived not for selfish gain, but for the benefit of others Reputation management, whether at a personal or organisational level, is, therefore, not optional; it is a strategic necessity.
This does not mean obsessively curating an image for public consumption or hiding flaws behind polished marketing It means living and operating in a way that is consistently aligned with one’s stated values It means telling the truth even when it is inconvenient, owning up to mistakes instead of covering them up and treating people — whether clients, colleagues or strangers —with dignity
Crises will come Mistakes will be made But if a strong foundation of trust and integrity has been built over time, those storms can be weathered
