Prov 10.7

⁷ The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.

Prov 27.17

The focus of this proverb is on the reward of the righteous (probably future), a reward built on character. The character of the righteous person is not only making an impact in the present, it makes an impact in the future for wisdom has a longer view of life. Note that the proverb “almost” seems to be written after life has passed, i.e., written for the dead, but, Proverbs is most definitely written for the (truly) living! 

Here in Nashville, we’ve just suffered the tragic death of an outstanding professional athlete. While his performance has never been in question, his character has seriously suffered. And, as is typical for rebellion against God’s Word and Ways, that rebellion spreads and affects the lives of those around us, in this particular situation even bringing the death of another person as well as the memory of this athlete.

Let the lesson of God’s wisdom in this Proverb soak into your heart. When your life view is only for instant gratification, only what’s in it for me, when your course of life is that of sin, the consequences are never what we truly desire. Sin is always personal, but, it is never private! There is the classic lesson of life, what you sow, you reap.

righteous – (see previous study) “righteousness” necessitates relationship to another where there are claims to be met, moral and ethical. There is a standard for life by which “righteousness” to the Creator of the standard is evaluated. Consider Mal 3.18, one who serves God.

wicked – (see previous study) There is no relationship to be claimed, no standard for life.

blessed – (see previous study: this is directly tied to that which comes from God, cf. 1 Chron 29.11-12; it is frequently future from this present place in life.) This is always a positive benefit, something practically good. While there are “emotions” of blessedness, it is imminently tangible in life.

memory – (of God: Ex 2.24; 6.5; Gen 8.1; Ps 79.8; Jer 31.34; of man: Ezek 6.9; Num 15.40; Ex 20.8; Ps 22.27; Amos 1.9)

name – (1 Sam 25.25; Ex 6.3; Gen 35.10)

rot – something without strength which will eventually disappear. There is no “name”! The ultimate unpleasantness is to be forgotten! Be certain here to consider that “righteousness” is strength which passes on character and a “name.”

References to consider:

Prov 22.1
¹ A good name is to be more desired than great wealth,
Favor is better than silver and gold.

Prov 30.4
⁴ Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know!

John 17.25-26
²⁵ “O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; ²⁶ and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Sharpening for my life today:

Consider “how” you can build a memory, especially something which communicates righteousness and declares a “name” to be passed on. Typically, it’s trophies and deeds considered first, instead of character.

Consider what causes “memory” to root. One key is retelling the story, something the Word of God consistently does, declaring the “name” which resounds with the character!

Consider what causes “memory” to rot. There is little doubt that wickedness is a major destroyer of a desire to retell the story, declare the “name,” remember the character.

Consider “memory” itself. It’s a way we recall so we can imitate and follow. Memory shows us (often via the Word) the hand of God, the way of God, the truth of God. In our present age, the Lord’s Supper is crucial to our “memory” of the Lord. It’s a past act with a very present reality! Those who think this is “dull” are only watching, they’re not remembering! Remember, boredom is never a statement of circumstances; it’s always a statement of our own life, thinking, focus, and future.

“Memory” and “name” are often synonyms. Consider the memory you are building and the name (i.e., your character) being declared now and in the future.