“The human body
Is a fleeting thing.
The bad name of sinners
Will be blotted out.
But a virtuous name
Will never be blotted out.
Have regard for your name!
It will outlive you longer
Than a thousand stores of gold.
The days of a good life
Are numbered.
But a good name
Lasts forever.”
Sirach indicates that life is fleeting, but your name or reputation lasts long after you have died. The bad name of the sinners is blotted out, while the good name of the virtuous will never be blotted out. You should have regard for your name and your reputation because it will outlive you more than your gold. A good name lasts forever, even though you only last a few days here on earth.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 