What’s in a name? In centuries past, a person’s name was very important indeed, and even today, a person’s name carries a lot of meaning. What does your name bring to mind?

In the Bible, Solomon said, “A good name is better than a good ointment.” In the ancient world, they would often use very rare oils and sweet-smelling perfumes on special occasions – not every day, like we use perfume or after-shave today. Solomon wants us to understand that, even as precious and expensive as those items were, their value didn’t compare to a good name.

You can put on perfume or aftershave and you’ll smell good for a short time, but a good name is lasting. It stays with you wherever you go, in every setting in life.

What do people think when they hear your name? Is it good or bad? I have good news. When you put God first and follow His teaching, over time He’ll help you develop a good name.