Ecclesiastes 7:1-8:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 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 desirable than all the wealth and pleasure in this world (Eccl. 7:1): A good name is before good ointment (so it may be read); it is preferable to it, and will be rather chosen by all that are wise. Good ointment is here put for all the profits of the earth (among the products of which oil was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1

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 be better. Some understand this of the name of God, which is God himself, who is the "summum bonum", and chief happiness of men, and take it to be an answer to the question Ecclesiastes 6:12 ; this and this only is what is a man's good, and is preferable to all outward enjoyments whatever;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:1

A good name - Unsatisfactory as all sublunary things are, yet still there are some which are of great consequence, and among them a good name. The place is well paraphrased in the following verses: "A spotless name, By virtuous deeds acquired, is sweeter far Than fragant balms, whose odors round diffused Regale the invited guests. Well may such men Rejoice at death's approach, and bless the hours That end their toilsome pilgrimage; assured That till the race of life is finish'd... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1

Ecclesiastes 12:8 .—Division II . DEDUCTIONS FROM THE ABOVE - MENTIONED EXPERIENCES IN THE WAY OF WARNINGS AND RULES OF LIFE . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1

A good name is better than precious ointment. The paronomasia here is to be remarked, tob ahem mishemen tob . There is a similar assonance in So Ecclesiastes 1:3 , 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, Better is a name than good oil . Shem , "name," is sometimes used... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-7

Section 1. Though no man knows for certain what is best, yet there are some practical rules for the conduct of life which wisdom gives . Some of these Koheleth sets forward in the proverbial form, recommending a serious, earnest life in preference to one of gaiety and frivolity. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:1

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, as a gratification of the senses which all people enjoy.The connection of this verse with the preceding verses is this: the man, who wants to know what is profitable for man and good in this life, is here told to act in such a way as ordinarily secures a good reputation (i. e., to act like a wise... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 7:1

Ecclesiastes 7:1. A good name A good and well grounded report from wise and worthy persons; a name for wisdom and goodness with those that are wise and good; is better than precious ointment Which was very fragrant, acceptable, and useful, and of great price in those countries. And the day of death, than the day of one’s birth Namely, the death of a good man, or of one who hath left a good name behind him; for to a wicked man, the day of death is far worse, and most terrible. Or, if... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

Proverbs about life and death (7:1-14)The writer now faces up to the fact that people have to make their way through life in spite of its various misfortunes. Through a collection of proverbs he points out that whatever circumstances they find themselves in, they should use them to the best advantage.To begin with, people should desire a good reputation. If they live worthwhile lives, the day of their death will be more important than the day of their birth. It will be the climax that confirms... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 7:1

name . . . ointment. Note the Figure of speech Paronomasia ( App-6 ), " shem mishshemen". better. See note on Ecclesiastes 2:24 . precious = good. Same word as "good" at the beginning of the sentence. read more

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