How is a good name better than precious ointment (Ecclesiastes 7:1)?

Answer

In ancient times, an individual’s reputation and position in the community were closely tied to his name. In Ecclesiastes 7:1, Solomon asserts, “A good name is better than precious ointment” (ESV), emphasizing the invaluable importance of maintaining a good reputation.

“Precious ointment” refers to fine, expensive perfume. In the New Living Translation, Ecclesiastes 7:1 is phrased as follows: “A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.” Solomon imparts wisdom to seekers, highlighting that certain aspects of life hold greater significance than wealth and material possessions. This sentiment is echoed in Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

A good name (or reputation) was highly esteemed in ancient Israel (Job 18:17;Proverbs 10:7). Precious ointment was also highly valued and referenced in Scripture to symbolize God’s anointing (Psalm 45:7;133;Amos 6:6;Matthew 6:17;Matthew 26:7). However, in Ecclesiastes 7:1, Solomon juxtaposes these two cherished elements to contrast inner virtues with external appearances.

Why is a good name superior to precious ointment? Let’s examine the characteristics of expensive perfume. One of the most costly perfumes available today, Jean Patou’s Joy, reportedly contains over ten thousand jasmine flowers and around 28 dozen roses per bottle. The lavish ointment exudes a rich, luxurious, and delightful aroma, yet its scent is transient, fleeting. A good name (or reputation) surpasses precious ointment because it endures.

Perfume may mask an unpleasant odor, but a good reputation is immediately apparent and cannot be concealed. Expensive perfume serves as a symbol of status, focusing solely on superficial qualities.Ties of one’s outward image. But a good reputation is based on genuine integrity, right living, and internal character. Fine perfume may possess material, external, and worldly value, but the good reputation of a child of God is much better because its worth is eternal (Isaiah 56:5; Revelation 3:12).

A respectable reputation is developed through knowing and obeying God’s Word (Deuteronomy 4:1-14), living to please the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:9-10), and always striving to keep a clear conscience before God and people (Acts 24:16; Hebrews 13:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:1).

Jesus understood that a good name was better than precious ointment. He endeavored even as a boy to develop an honorable reputation by growing “in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people” «And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.», (Luke 2:52, NLT). In the early church, men of “good reputation” were chosen to serve as deacons «Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. », (Acts 6:3, NKJV). One of these was Stephen, whom the Bible describes as “full of the Spirit and wisdom,” “full of faith” «And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: », (Acts 6:3, NKJV).

In the Bible, Stephen was described as “full of grace and power” «And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. » (Acts 6:5), and this is reiterated in (Acts 6:8).

Many individuals may not be able to purchase costly perfume, but a good reputation is within reach of both the wealthy and the less fortunate. Furthermore, a respectable name carries more weight, endures longer, and holds greater significance. In God’s eyes, moral integrity surpasses all the riches of the world. As evidence, when a woman poured expensive ointment from her alabaster flask onto Jesus, He commended her, recognizing that her honorable reputation would be remembered for generations «Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. » (Matthew 26:13).