A good name is better than precious ointment.
-Ecclesiastes 7:1
Summary of Ecclesiastes chapter 7:
Solomon had given many proofs and instances of the vanity of this world and the things of it; now, in this chapter,
He recommends to us some good means proper to be used for the redress of these grievances and the arming of ourselves against the mischief we are in danger of from them, that we may make the best of the bad, as
1. Care of our reputation, Ecclesiastes 7:1.
2. Seriousness, Ecclesiastes 7:2-6.
3. Calmness of spirit, Ecclesiastes 7:7-10.
4. Prudence in the management of all our affairs, Ecclesiastes 7:11-12.
5. Submission to the will of God in all events, accommodating ourselves to every condition, Ecclesiastes 7:13-15.
6. A conscientious avoiding of all dangerous extremes, Ecclesiastes 7:16-18.
7. Mildness and tenderness towards those that have been injurious to us, Ecclesiastes 7: 19-22.
In short, the best way to save ourselves from the vexation which the vanity of the world creates us is to keep our temper and to maintain a strict government of our passions.
8. He laments his own iniquity, as that which was more vexatious than any of these vanities, that mystery of iniquity, the having of many wives, by which he was drawn away from God and his duty, Ecclesiastes 7:23-29.
Today’s Verse:
In these verse Solomon lays down some great truths which seem paradoxes to the unthinking part, that is, the far greatest part, of mankind. That the honour of virtue is really more valuable and desirable than all the wealth and pleasure in this world
At the end of Ecclesiastes 6, the Solomon was in a mournful, discouraged mood as he considered the meaninglessness of life in a world without eternity and accountability in the world beyond. He continued that tone by coupling an obvious truth with a more startling statement “the day of death is better than the day of one’s birth”. This comes from the deep and pained sense of meaninglessness that the Solomon suffered under. It made him feel that death was better than life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thanks for this day. I want to worship only You. Take me deeper in my prayer life and in intimacy with You. Help me to walk in Your light and holiness. I want to know You more. “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord” (Psalm 89:15). Give me joy in Your presence and help me to bring joy into the lives of others. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). I want to dwell in Your house and gaze on Your beauty. I want to seek Your face. “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple… Hear my voice when I call, O LORD" (Psalm 27:4,7). In the name of Jesus, Amen