Ecclesiastes 7:1
Why is it necessary for a man to seek things that are greater than himself, when he does not know what is advantageous for himself in his life, during the number of the days of his sojourn, and while time passes by like a shadow? Or who will be able to tell him what will be in the future after him under the sun?
Catholic Public Domain 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
2A good name is better than precious ointments, and a day of death is better than a day of birth.
Cross References
Ruth 3:14And so she slept by his feet until the night was ending. And she arose before men could inquire of one another. And Boaz said, “Be careful, lest someone know that you came here.”
Psalms 133:2In the nights, lift up your hands in sanctity, and bless the Lord.
Proverbs 22:1A good name is better than many riches. And good esteem is above silver and gold.
Proverbs 27:9Ointment and various perfumes delight the heart. And the good advice of a friend is sweet to the soul.
Ecclesiastes 10:1Dying flies ruin the sweetness of the ointment. Wisdom and glory is more precious than a brief and limited foolishness.
Song of Solomon 4:10How beautiful are your breasts, my sister, my spouse! Your breasts are more beautiful than wine, and the fragrance of your ointments is above all aromatic oils.
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 →