Good Name Better Than Any Perfume

‘Choose a good reputation over great riches, being held in high esteem than silver or gold,’ Prov. 22 v 1.

Wise counsel, when well accepted, would do a whole world of good to its recipient. Solomon has been known for dishing out words of wisdom to those who care to listen to him. In this context, he spoke from the bottom of his heart, not only to the people that lived in his time, but also to those that came after him. He was aware that a good name was better than perfume and so; he laboured very hard to ensure that his hearers took this advice to heart. Therefore, from the way he spoke, it is to be appreciated that integrity, reputation and good name, no matter how scarce a commodity they may be, should be desired by all and sundry at all times.

It is to be noted that Good name, when acquired, lasts and outlives one. No wonder then that people with good names do everything humanly possible to guard them jealously. It is not like perfume, which, no matter the amount acquired, when applied does not last. It is time bound. Solomon knew that perfume does not last and so, he encouraged his listeners to go for that which endures.

I think we need some helpful illustrations to agree with Solomon in his wise counsel today. From the religious perspective, two names readily come to mind. First, Samuel Ajayi Crowther of blessed memory, who was a slave boy, but later, became a Bishop. He was a missioner, a Bible interpreter and a linguist who gave all for the cause of the gospel. It is difficult to forget about this giant man of God and the contributions he made that enabled many souls to be won for Christ. Although late, his good memory lingers on.

Second is Mary Selessor, a Scottish missioner that laboured hard in Calabar to ensure that the obnoxious practice of killing twins was brought to an end. Although a lady, but her labours of love will forever remain in this part of the world.

From the political scene, we cannot forget in a hurry, the great work done by our foremost nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Michael Okpara and Anthony Enahoro among others. Our anthem beautifully situates their great work and beckons on all the citizens of Nigeria to ensure that ‘the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.’ Their works speak volume of what they stood for, as there was no attempt at personal enrichment or aggrandisement. To a large extent, we can agree that they tacitly drew inspiration from Solomon about good name.

Unfortunately, however, looking at today’s Nigeria, it does seem that people are not yet ready to pursue good names. There are some who are only after what they can get out of the nation, but who are not consciously thinking of its negative effect on themselves and their household, even after leaving the scene. But people of conscience should be worried and Christians particularly should cry in prayer unto God for people to know that there is nothing better than a good name. If we live in this consciousness in our offices, homes and churches, I think things may change for the better. It is our prayer that God should touch the hearts of our people to go for good name. After all, there is something in a name!

Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre,
Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org