Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.
Majority Standard Bible
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 she lay down at his feet until morning, but she got up before anyone else could recognize her. Then Boaz said, “Do not let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.”
Psalms 133:2It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.
Proverbs 22:1A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.
Proverbs 27:9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
Ecclesiastes 10:1As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Song of Solomon 4:10How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all 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 →