Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good reputation is better than expensive perfume, and the day you die is better than the day you were born.
Free Bible 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 3:14So Ruth lay at his feet until morning. Then she got up before it was light enough to recognize anyone because Boaz had told her, “No one must know that a woman came here to the threshing floor.”
Psalms 133:2This is as precious as the oil used to anoint Aaron, running down from his head onto his beard, onto the collar of his clothes.
Proverbs 22:1A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect is better than silver and gold.
Proverbs 27:9Perfume and scented oils make you feel happy, but good advice from a friend is even better.
Ecclesiastes 10:1Dead flies can make perfumed oil smell bad. Likewise a little foolishness outweighs great wisdom and honor.
Song of Solomon 4:10How wonderful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is sweeter than wine. The way you smell from your perfumed oils is better than any spice.
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 →