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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than fine perfume, and one's day of death is better than his day of birth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/21_Ecc_07_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 7:1 - The Value of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A good name is better than fine perfume, and one's day of death is better than his day of birth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 6:12">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 7:1 <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A good name <i>is</i> better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A good name <i>is</i> better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than good oil, And the day of <i>one’s</i> death <i>is better</i> than the day of one’s birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one&#8217s death is better than the day of one&#8217s birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of <i>one’s</i> death is better than the day of one’s birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better is a good name than good oil, And better is the day of <i>one’s</i> death than the day of one’s birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than precious perfume, And the day of one’s death better than the day of one’s birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one&#8217s death than the day of one&#8217s birth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A good name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one's birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A good reputation at the time of death is better than loving care at the time of birth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A GOOD name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A good name is better than expensive perfume, and the day you die is better than the day you're born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A good reputation is better than expensive perfume; and the day you die is better than the day you are born. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A good name exceeds the value of fine perfume, and the day of someone's death exceeds the value of the day of his birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume, and one?s day of death is better than his day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A good reputation is better than precious perfume; likewise, the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] a name than good perfume, "" And the day of death than the day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is a name than good perfume, And the day of death than the day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A good name is above good oil, and the day of death above the day of birth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than precious ointments: and the day of death than the day of one's birth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 7:2>A good name is better than precious ointments, and a day of death is better than a day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A good name is better than good ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death, than the day of birth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A GOOD name is better than a precious ointment; and the day of one's death than the day of his birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A good name is better than precious oil; And the day of death than the day of one's birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A good name is better than good oil; and the day of death than the day of birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1161" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm (N-ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">A good name</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">than fine</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: miš·še·men (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">perfume,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: wə·yō·wm (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">and one’s day</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: ham·mā·weṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">of death</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: mî·yō·wm (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">is better than his day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: hiw·wā·lə·ḏōw (V-Nifal-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">of birth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting, since death is the end of every man, and the living should take this to heart.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a></span><br />A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a></span><br />So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-7.htm">Proverbs 10:7</a></span><br />The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Philippians 1:21</a></span><br />For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15-16</a></span><br />For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. / To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10</a></span><br />For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a></span><br />Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-2</a></span><br />“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a></span><br />The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Isaiah 57:1-2</a></span><br />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. / Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-8.htm">Romans 14:8</a></span><br />If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Psalm 39:4-5</a></span><br />“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.</p><p class="hdg">name</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Proverbs 15:30</a></b></br> The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: <i>and</i> a good report maketh the bones fat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a></b></br> A <i>good</i> name <i>is</i> rather to be chosen than great riches, <i>and</i> loving favour rather than silver and gold.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm">Isaiah 56:5</a></b></br> Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.</p><p class="hdg">precious</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1</a></b></br> Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: <i>so doth</i> a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom <i>and</i> honour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/133-2.htm">Psalm 133:2</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, <i>even</i> Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Proverbs 27:9</a></b></br> Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so <i>doth</i> the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.</p><p class="hdg">the day</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:2</a></b></br> Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/3-17.htm">Job 3:17</a></b></br> There the wicked cease <i>from</i> troubling; and there the weary be at rest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Isaiah 57:1,2</a></b></br> The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth <i>it</i> to heart: and merciful men <i>are</i> taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil <i>to come</i>… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">One's</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Price</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/songs/4-5.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/songs/5-11.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">One's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/songs/8-7.htm">Price</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">remedies against vanity are, a good name</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">mortification</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">patience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">The difficulty of wisdom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A good name is better than fine perfume</b><br>In biblical times, a "good name" referred to one's reputation and character. <a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a> echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the value of a good reputation over wealth. In ancient Israel, perfume was a luxury item, often used in religious rituals and personal grooming, symbolizing wealth and status. The comparison highlights the enduring value of integrity over temporary material possessions. The emphasis on a "good name" aligns with the biblical principle of living a life that reflects God's character, as seen in passages like <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility.<p><b>and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth</b><br>This phrase reflects the wisdom literature's perspective on life and death. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it suggests that the end of life can be more significant than its beginning because it marks the completion of one's journey and the fulfillment of one's purpose. This view is consistent with the biblical understanding of life as a pilgrimage toward eternity, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13-16</a>, where the faithful are described as strangers and exiles on earth. The day of death is seen as a transition to eternal life for the righteous, aligning with the hope of resurrection and eternal communion with God, as promised in passages like <a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of righteousness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation where Solomon reigned as king. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature that was significant to the people of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>- The city where Solomon built the temple and where he likely wrote much of his wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_a_good_name.htm">The Value of a Good Name</a></b><br>A good reputation is invaluable and surpasses material wealth. In a world that often prioritizes wealth and status, Christians are called to prioritize integrity and character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_perspective_on_life_and_death.htm">The Perspective on Life and Death</a></b><br>For believers, the day of death is a transition to eternal life with Christ. This perspective should influence how we live our lives, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Understanding that life is fleeting should encourage us to live wisely and purposefully, investing in relationships and actions that have eternal significance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fragrance_of_christ.htm">The Fragrance of Christ</a></b><br>Just as fine perfume leaves a lasting scent, our lives should leave a lasting impact that reflects Christ's love and truth to those around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_life's_seasons.htm">Wisdom in Life's Seasons</a></b><br>Recognizing the different seasons of life, including birth and death, helps us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, finding peace in His plan.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_eccl._7_1_value_life_biblically.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 says the day of death is better than the day of birth—how does this not undermine the inherent value of life found elsewhere in the Bible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_a_good_name_worth_more_than_ointment.htm">Is a good name more valuable than precious ointment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_zidonians_in_the_bible.htm">What does 'A good name is better than riches' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'a_good_name_is_better_than_riches'.htm">What does "A good name is better than riches" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) There is a play on words in the original (found also in <a href="/songs/1-3.htm" title="Because of the smell of your good ointments your name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love you.">Song of Solomon 1:3</a>), which Plumptre represents by "a good name is better than good nard." It was probably an older proverb, which the Preacher completes by the startling addition, "and so is the day of death better than that of birth." For the use of perfumes, see <a href="/ruth/3-3.htm" title="Wash yourself therefore, and anoint you, and put your raiment on you, and get you down to the floor: but make not yourself known to the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.">Ruth 3:3</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm" title="Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.">2Samuel 12:20</a>; <a href="/proverbs/7-17.htm" title="I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.">Proverbs 7:17</a>; <a href="/daniel/10-3.htm" title="I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.">Daniel 10:3</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1</span> - <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8</a>. - Division II. DEDUCTIONS FROM THE ABOVE-MENTIONED EXPERIENCES IN THE WAY OF WARNINGS AND RULES OF LIFE. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-7.</span> - Section 1. Though no man knows for certain what is best, yet there are <span class="accented">some practical rules for the conduct of life which wisdom gives</span>. Some of these Koheleth sets forward in the proverbial form, recommending a serious, earnest life in preference to one of gaiety and frivolity. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A good name is better than precious ointment.</span> The paronomasia here is to be remarked, <span class="accented">rob ahem mishemen tob</span>. There is a similar assonance in <a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Song of Solomon 1:3</a>, which the German translator reproduces by the sentence, "Besser gut Gerucht als Wohlgeruch," or," gute Geruche," and which may perhaps be rendered in English, "Better is good favor than good flavor." It is a proverbial saying, running literally, <span class="accented">Better is a name than good oil</span>. <span class="accented">Shem</span>, "name," is sometimes used unqualified to signify a celebrated name, good name, reputation (comp. <a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Genesis 11:4</a>; <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a>). Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ἀγαθὸν ὄνομα ὑπὲρ ἔλαιον ἀγαθόν</span>. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Melius eat nomen bonum quam unguenta pre-tiosa</span>. Odorous unguents were very precious in the mind of an Oriental, and formed one of the luxuries lavished at feasts and costly entertainments, or social visits (see <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:8</a>; <a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Ruth 3:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/45-8.htm">Psalm 45:8</a>; <a href="/amos/6-6.htm">Amos 6:6</a>; Wisd. 2:7; <a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Luke 7:37, 46</a>). It was a man's most cherished ambition to leave a good reputation, and to hand down an honorable remembrance to distant posterity, and this all the more as the hope of the life beyond the grave was dim and vague (see on Ecclesiastes 2:16, and comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:5</a>). The complaint of the sensualists in Wisd. 2:4 is embittered by the thought," Our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance." We employ a metaphor like that in the clause when we speak of a man's reputation having a good or ill odor; and the Hebrews said of ill fame that it stank in the nostrils (<a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Genesis 34:30</a>; <a href="/exodus/5-21.htm">Exodus 5:21</a>; see, on the opposite side, Ecclus. 24:15; <a href="/2_corinthians/2-15.htm">2 Corinthians 2:15</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And the day of death than the day of one's birth.</span> The thought in this clause is closely connected with the preceding. If a man's life is such that he leaves a good name behind him, then the day of his departure is better than that of his birth, because in the latter he had nothing before him but labor, and trouble, and fear, and uncertainty; and in the former all these anxieties are past, the storms are successfully battled with, the haven is won (see on Ecclesiastes 4:3). According to Solon's well-known maxim, no one can be called happy till he has crowned a prosperous life by a peaceful death (Herod., 1:32; Soph., 'Trachin.,' 1-3; ('Ed. Tyr.,' 1528, <span class="accented">sqq</span>.); as the Greek gnome runs - <p><span class="greek">Μήπω μέγαν εἴπῃς πρὶν τελευτήσαντ ἴδῃς</span> <p><span class="accented">"Call no man great till thou hast seen him dead."</span> So Ben-Sira, "Judge none blessed (<span class="greek">μὴ</span> <span class="greek">μακάριζε μηδένα</span>) before his death; for a man shall be known in his children" (Ecclus. 11:28). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A good name</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(šêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֥וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than fine</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֑וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">perfume,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשֶּׁ֣מֶן</span> <span class="translit">(miš·še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and one’s day</span><br /><span class="heb">וְי֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of death</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמָּ֔וֶת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mā·weṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is better] than his day</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיּ֖וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(mî·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of birth.</span><br /><span class="heb">הִוָּלְדֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(hiw·wā·lə·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than fine (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 6:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 6:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>