Ecclesiastes 7:1
Having a good reputation [MTY] is better than fine perfume, and the day that we die is better than the day that we are born.
Translation for Translators
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 at his feet until morning. But she got up and left before it was light enough that people would be able to recognize her, because Boaz said, “I do not want anyone to know that a woman was here.”
Psalms 133:2It is as delightful as the precious/expensive ◄ olive oil/perfume► that runs down from the Supreme Priest Aaron’s head onto his beard when he is anointed and runs down onto the collar of his robes.
Proverbs 22:1◄Having a good reputation/Being honored by people► is better than having a lot of money; being well respected is better than having plenty of gold or silver [DOU].
Proverbs 27:9Putting olive oil and perfume on a person’s skin causes him to feel good, but having a friend who gives good advice is even better.
Ecclesiastes 10:1A few dead flies in a bottle of perfume cause all the perfume to stink. Similarly [SIM], a small amount of acting foolishly can have a greater effect than acting wisely.
Song of Solomon 4:10My bride, your love for me is delightful! It more delightful than wine! And the fragrance of your perfume is more pleasing 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 →