Wisdom and Folly Compared

71 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 7:1

King James Version

Wisdom and Folly Compared

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

English Standard Version

Wisdom and Folly Compared

71 A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.

The Message

Wisdom and Folly Compared

71 good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date.

New King James Version

Wisdom and Folly Compared

71 A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth;

New Living Translation

Wisdom and Folly Compared

71 A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:1

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

(Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-6)

Reputation for piety and honesty is more desirable than all the wealth and pleasure in this world. It will do more good to go to a funeral than to a feast. We may lawfully go to both, as there is occasion; our Saviour both feasted at the wedding of his friend in Cana, and wept at the grave of his friend in Bethany. But, considering how apt we are to be vain and indulge the flesh, it is best to go to the house of mourning, to learn the end of man as to this world. Seriousness is better than mirth and jollity. That is best for us which is best for our souls, though it be unpleasing to sense. It is better to have our corruptions mortified by the rebuke of the wise, than to have them gratified by the song of fools. The laughter of a fool is soon gone, the end of his mirth is heaviness.