MAY 19

Ecclesiastes 7:1
Memorise Ecclesiastes 7:1
“A good name is better than precious ointment”

And so in response to all that Solomon has experienced and observed, he now launches into a poetic exhortation on his advice for man in this life. He draws from his vast wisdom and personal experience, and gives little snippets of advice on many different areas in life. 

The literary style here in chapters 7 and 10 is similar to how he wrote in the book of Proverbs, where it is more of Hebrew poetry, and a series of counsels, wise sayings and statements. Some statements will be linked to the next, while others stand alone. Some will also be quite surprising, and others will be rather difficult to comprehend. But they are all alike the word of God, and therefore profitable for our study.

Firstly, in Ecclesiastes 7:1 Solomon speaks of the importance of seeking after a good name. This refers to the testimony that one would have while he lives here on earth. It is definitely important for a man, especially a Christian to maintain a good name, and value that far more than any ointment that will be used to anoint him at death.

But the next statement is surprising, for he then declares that the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. Why is this so? Because it is normally at one’s death, that men will reflect and look back at the life that the deceased has lived. If he has maintained a good testimony, then he will have a positive encouragement. But if all he has at the funeral is precious ointment, then men will just marvel at his wealth, but it is useless. This is compared to the day of one’s birth, whereby it is all rejoicing and excitement, but no contemplation nor retrospection. There is a whole life ahead of him, and he could either use the life for good to serve the Lord and cultivate a good name, or it could be a life in vain and useless for the Lord. 

Dear teen, do you care about the reputation and testimony that you carry? Do you realise that by calling yourself a Christian, you bear the name of Christ with you? What sort of name do you have? Is it that of a godly faithful Christian, or is it one of a notorious, rebellious teen?

Thought: How will people describe me at my funeral?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be conscious and aware of the testimony that I ought to bear for You.