Ecclesiastes 7:1

Translations

Modern

A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.

Traditional

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.

Literal

A good name is finer than good ointment, and the day of one’s death than the day he was born.

Latin

Melius est nomen bonum quam unguenta pretiosa, et dies mortis die nativitatis.

Original

Hebrew

English

A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.

Notes

Ecclesiastes 7:1

It is better to seek a good reputation for wisdom and righteousness than to pursue luxuries like expensive perfume (Proverbs 22:1; 28:6).
one’s day of death is better than his day of birth: There is relief when life's troubles end. Life's difficulties can make one look forward to the peace of death (Ecclesiastes 1:18; 2:22; 4:2–3; 12:1).

Ecclesiastes 7:1–4

These proverbs are like the sayings in the Book of Proverbs.

Ecclesiastes 6:10–7:22

God's control over everything is serious, but it gives us hope.

Related verses

Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.”
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.
Ecclesiastes 4:2
So I admired the dead, who had already died, above the living, who are still alive.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
Philippians 1:21–23
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
Song of Solomon 1:3
The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.
Ecclesiastes 10:1
As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Proverbs 15:30
The light of the eyes cheers the heart, and good news nourishes the bones.
Isaiah 57:1–2
The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil.
Isaiah 56:5
I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes Ointment

Topics

Celebrating Birthdays Character: Good Death of the Righteous Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Instruction: from the Study of Human Nature Keeping a Good Name Life: (Sacredness of, an Inference from What is Taught in the Law Concerning Murder): Vanity of Name: Value of a Good Names Ointment: Not Sacred Philosophy: The Nature of Things Reputation: Good

Ecclesiastes 7:1

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