The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. – Proverbs 10:7
Chapter 10 begins a long series of individual statements, each of these is a “proverb” in and of itself.
The proverbs of chapter 10 are mostly aimed at comparing the consequences one can expect from leading a righteous life as opposed to leading a wicked life. The comparison term “but” is repeated in almost every verse
Righteous men and women, as well as the wicked, will all die, because “it is appointed for man to die once” (Hebrews 9:27). However, what godly people leave behind is quite different from the legacy of the wicked.
Those who honor God and live by His law (Proverbs 1:7) leave behind a memorable legacy. Those who live on recall the blessings that accompanied their lives. They are grateful that the righteous helped them grow spiritually. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.” Psalm 112:3 tells us the righteousness of the person who fears the Lord endures forever, and verse 6 says he will be remembered forever.
Ultimately, the wicked leave no legacy except corruption and embarrassment. It's difficult to look back with pride on a life of violence and crookedness. In fact, when evil people die, those who live on are more likely to be relieved, than they are to grieve. The memory of the evil one fades away and their reputation decays. Those whose evil is known are, eventually, only known for that evil.
Men remember Joseph as gloriously virtuous, Potiphar’s wife as an evil adulteress; Tamar as a prudent virgin, Amnon as a profane dog; Paul as the greatest apostle, Demas as a weak loser.
What legacy we want to leave, is based on our daily walk. May we walk in a way, that well be remembered for our prudent life. That our loved ones after us, might hear a few tributes about us & it may be edifying to others & Glorifying to our Maker.