All through Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes is this contrast of wisdom and folly – the lasting of eternity paired with the vanity and finiteness of this earthly life. I’ve taken so many notes since starting this chapter-by-chapter study with my group at church. We read and study on our own during the week and then come together on Sunday mornings to discuss what we see in the chapter, how to apply it and how we see ourselves and/or God in this.

Chapter seven just seemed to connect with so much all in one chapter that I thought I’d share pieces this week.

For this first share, I want to start in verse 1. He says, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.”

Honestly, kind of melancholy at face value. What does it mean?

I didn’t know what the first half of that verse meant without looking deeper into notes and commentary. Ointment here would have referred to a pleasing perfume. Some translations may say “oil” instead of “ointment,” but I use ESV mostly and they use “ointment.” The oil was a symbol of joy and prosperity. A good name refers to reputation. So in essence, it’s saying it’s better to end a good life with a good reputation than have prosperity. Isn’t that the truth? A good, honest life… over earthly wealth and riches.

This is most of what Solomon says throughout this book: better to enjoy life, live well, and not chase folly – the things of vapor and not lasting.

Our life is short. How we live matters. If we’re following after the One who holds the world and has literally given us a book on life, what are we doing with it?????

So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

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If you read Ecclesiastes 7:1-4, what else stands out to you in this selection of verses?

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Let us live with honor and glorify God this week in our words and actions.

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Thank you for stopping by for a beat in Ecclesiastes with me. Bless you. Next, we’ll be looking further in this same chapter.