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Ecclesiastes 7:1

Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

My Notes

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Baptist theologian, 1697–1771

Gill's Exposition

A good name is better than precious ointment,.... The word "good" is not in the text, but is rightly supplied, as it is by Jarchi; for of no other name can this be said; that which is not good cannot…

Presbyterian pastor, 1798–1870

Barnes' Notes

Name ... ointment - The likeness between reputation and odor supplies a common metaphor: the contrast is between reputation, as an honorable attainment which only wise people win, and fragrant odor,…

Nonconformist minister, 1662–1714

Matthew Henry

Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

In these verses Solomon lays down some great truths which seem paradoxes to the unthinking part, that is, the far greatest part, of mankind.

I. That the honour of virtue is really more valuable and…

Academic commentary, 1882–1921

Cambridge Bible

A good name is better than precious ointment The sequence of thought is interrupted, and the writer, instead of carrying on the induction which is to prove that all is vanity, moralizes on the other…