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A Good Name Is a Good Reputation

Proverbs 10:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁷The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.

The memory of the righteous is a blessing: This is not a reference to the memories of the righteous reflecting on their lives, but rather the memories of others as they reflect back on the life of this righteous one after he has died.

but the name of the wicked will rot: Here we have the contrast between the wicked with the righteous of the previous line. The name [or reputation] is parallel to “memory” and “wicked” with the “righteous.” Here both name and memory stand for the beliefs or views that are generally held about someone when they are alive and after they have died, which can be good or bad.

It is for this reason a “good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” (Prov. 22:1) The righteous one’s name or reputation is remembered favorably by others and, more importantly, by God. However, this differs from the name or reputation of the wicked ones, which becomes something disgusting and rotten! Truly, the name or reputation of wicked ones is not a pleasant memory. We need to make a favorable name with God and our fellow man.

The reality of what is on the horizon is that Jesus, at the battle of Armageddon, will destroy all the wicked, seen and unseen. The righteous who have a favorable name with God will survive that battle of Armageddon and will have the privilege of helping fulfill the original purpose that Hod had, to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. (Gen. 1:27-28; Isa. 45:18) During this time, the holy ones who will be ruling with Christ in the heavens as kings, priests, and judges; will judge the world of humankind. The Bible is clear that the wicked will not receive a resurrection. However, we cannot use Proverbs 10:7 to make that specific point. We need to consider the context of the chapter, as what we have is a series of contrasts between a wise son and a stupid son, a person who works hard and a lazy person, a son who acts with discernment and one that is shameful. But nowhere is the resurrection found within the verses or the context (surrounding verses). So, it would be a misapplication of the verses to suggest that it does.

The memory of the righteous [will be] a blessing in receiving a resurrection after Armageddon. God will remember the wicked ones who will not receive a resurrection, and he will remember the unrighteous ones (who never heard the gospel) and the righteous ones. The meaning is that the name or reputation of wicked ones is not a pleasurable memory but rather is sickening and disgusting.