“The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.” (Proverbs 10:6-10, NASB)

Everyone has an afterglow in life. It means people will remember you for a time after you die. Most individuals are remembered by their relatives, whether fondly or otherwise, for as long as those family members are alive. Nevertheless, such remembrances typically do not extend beyond the third or fourth generation, as later descendants lack personal knowledge of the individual. Then there are certain individuals who leave a lasting afterglow that is endured across generations. This enduring influence is attributed to notable accomplishments, impactful speech or writing, or exemplifying a life deserving of respect and admiration. Conversely, many individuals are often remembered for their mistakes or negative actions. These are the thoughts that came to mind as I read today’s reading. It says,

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be thrown down. He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. He who winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will be thrown down.”

I particularly liked the words, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.” The contrast between the “righteous” and the “wicked” is about their afterglow in life. The righteous leave behind a legacy that continues to bless people who remember them. On the other hand, the “wicked” will be remembered for their evil deeds, and they will continue to decay over time. The life of a righteous person will be a blessing long after they are gone, as they will grow like a towering tree that tends to provide shade and fruit to people today. In contrast, even the mere utterance of the wicked person’s name tends to provoke displeasure, loathing, or disdain in people’s faces.

For example, Joseph exemplified righteousness throughout his life, maintaining his godly principles despite being rejected by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt. His legacy continued to resonate among his people long after his passing, and even among believers today. However, people like Achan, Saul, Ahab, and Judas led disobedient lives that caused their memory to “rot,” leaving them as examples of who not to be and what not to do. We can see such an example in our modern history as well. Jonathan Edwards was a devoted Puritan preacher and missionary who played a key role in the First Great Awakening. Among his descendants, there were 12 college presidents, 65 college professors, 100-plus lawyers, 30 judges, and over 100 clergymen and missionaries. On the other hand, Max Jukes was a New York Dutchman, a notorious atheist. Among his family tree, it is recorded that there were over 300 professional beggars, 100 alcoholics, 60 thieves, 7 murderers, 50 prostitutes, and many others who spent significant time in jails.

The greatest example of beautiful afterglow is Jesus, who not only came to die on the cross for our sins and rise from the dead for our righteousness, but also lived a godly life for us to model so we can live a life pleasing to God. For Christians today, these words encourage us to be on the right track to live a righteous life. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be more desired than great riches.” It means our words, actions, choices, and relationships will influence what our afterglow will be like when we are gone. Solomon writes to suggest that we start with a “wise heart” that will receive instructions (v.8), “walk in integrity” (v.9), and speak to edify others rather than like a “babbling fool” (v.10). Mind your thoughts, actions, and words to leave a positive legacy.

• Who is your favorite “memory of the righteous” that inspires you?
• Which wicked person’s name leaves a rotting taste in your mind?
• What actions can we undertake today to ensure a positive afterglow for our family, particularly for our children?