Ecclesiastes 7:1
A [good] name is better than precious oil, and the day of death, than the day of birth.
A Conservative Version
In The King James Version
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
In Context
Cross References
Ruth 3:14And she lay at his feet until the morning. And she rose up before one could discern another. For he said, Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing-floor.
Psalms 133:2It is like the precious oil upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that came down upon the skirt of his garments,
Proverbs 22:1A [good] name is rather to be chosen than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 27:9Oil and perfume rejoice the heart, so [too] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Ecclesiastes 10:1Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor, [so] a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Song of Solomon 4:10How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] bride! How much better is thy love than wine, and the fragrance of thine oils than all manner of spices!
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 7:1
Solomon had given many proofs and instances of the vanity of this world and the things of it; now, in this chapter, I. He recommends to us some good means proper to be used for the redress of these grievances and the arming of ourselves against the mischief we are in danger of from them, that we may make the best of the bad, as 1. Care of our reputation, ver. 1 . 2. Seriousness, ver. 2-6 . 3. Calmness of spirit, ver. 7-10 . 4. Prudence in the management of all our affairs, ver. 11, 12 . 5. Submission to the will… Read the whole commentary →