In the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, the Teacher underscores the value of a good reputation. Unlike fine perfume, which fades away, a good name endures. A good name, or reputation, is highly valued in society because it reflects integrity, trustworthiness, and respect. Unlike material possessions, a good name endures and opens doors to goodwill and honour. This is similar to Proverbs 22:1, which states, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Earning a good reputation is priceless, as it often leads to opportunities and blessings that wealth alone cannot provide.
“A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.” – Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV)
However, when it comes to serving God, a good name in society becomes less significant. Jesus Himself had a bad reputation among many in His time because He was committed to doing God’s work, which often went against societal norms and expectations. Mary, the mother of Jesus, prioritised her reputation over allowing Jesus to minister in their hometown. She was concerned about how others viewed her and her family. Even those closest to Jesus had to confront the tension between maintaining a good name in society and fulfilling God’s mission.
Similarly, many prophets faced criticism and opposition like Elijah who was labelled as the “troubler of Israel” by King Ahab of Israel (1 Kings 18:17) because Elijah spoke God’s truth, which often challenged the status quo. Therefore, while a good name is important, we are called to prioritise obedience to God’s will above societal approval. True commitment to God’s purpose may lead to misunderstanding or even hostility from others, but it aligns with a higher calling that transcends human approval.
Mourning Over Laughter
“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” – Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NIV)
The Teacher also claims that the day of death is better than the day of birth because it marks the culmination of a life lived with integrity and purpose. When we are born, we enter a world that is often described as “meaningless” or “a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14. Life on earth is filled with struggles, uncertainties, and sorrows. However, death is not something to be feared but to be viewed with hope. It is a transition to a greater existence—an eternal fellowship with our Creator. As Paul states, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Death signifies the end of earthly struggles and the beginning of eternal joy.
Many people perceive death as painful or something to dread, but for believers, it is akin to a Friday evening—marking the end of toil and labour—compared to birth, which can be like a Monday morning, the beginning of a new and often challenging journey. As Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV). This verse captures the sense of accomplishment and readiness to enter into the reward of eternal life. The hope after death is not based on human efforts but on God’s grace. As believers, we look forward to the day when we will be with God forever, and this makes the day of death better than the day of birth.
“Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.” “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.” – Ecclesiastes 7:3&4 (NIV)
We often hear that laughter is good for the heart, but consider how much more effort it takes to put on a happy face than to allow our emotions to align with what we truly feel. Mourning, although painful, brings a deeper awareness of our mortality and urges us to live wisely, knowing that life is fleeting. In contrast, a life focused solely on pleasure can blind us to this reality. We tend to think more about God and pray during a funeral, as it prompts us to reflect on life, death, and our relationship with the divine. In contrast, at a wedding, the focus is often on celebration and joy, and we may not engage in the same depth of prayer or contemplation.
The Teacher reminds us that wisdom is often found through sorrow and frustration. A wise heart contemplates the deeper meaning of life, recognising that hardships shape and refine us, while a foolish heart seeks only pleasure, avoiding the valuable lessons that challenges and adversity bring. The teacher also goes on to say that constructive criticism from a wise person has greater value than empty praise. The laughter of fools is compared to thorns crackling under a pot — loud but ultimately empty and short-lived.
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NIV)
Getting angry is not a sin in itself, but it can lead to sinful actions if not controlled. We should avoid anger because it can have unpredictable and harmful consequences, often causing us to act in ways we may later regret.
Nostalgia
“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.” – Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV)
The Teacher warns against longing for the past can prevent us from fully engaging with the present. Dwelling on the past often involves idealising a time when life seemed easier—when we were younger, had less weight or more hair on our heads, or achieved notable accomplishments. Some people continue to boast about their marks in high school, relishing their past successes.
This nostalgia often paints a rosy picture of the past due to selective memory, while the present seems more challenging to handle. Nostalgia is not inherently bad; it can bring comfort by reminding us of happy times. However, constantly dwelling on it can become harmful, as it gives us a distorted view of our current blessings and may lead to feelings of dissatisfaction or even depression.
For example, we might remember the “good old days” of youth fellowships and activities, missing the opportunities that our current stage of life offers. By holding on to the past, we risk not embracing the new purposes that God has placed in our hearts and failing to move forward into the next chapter He has planned for us.
Wisdom as a Shelter
“Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.” – Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 (NIV)
When considering whether money or wisdom is a better safe haven, wisdom emerges as the superior choice. Money can provide temporary security, but it is limited in its ability to solve life’s deeper problems or ensure long-term stability. Wisdom, however, equips a person with the knowledge and understanding to navigate life’s challenges, including how to manage money effectively.
As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This illustrates that money, like the fish, can provide short-term relief, but wisdom, like learning to fish, offers lasting benefits by teaching skills and principles that ensure sustained success.
To manage money wisely, we need wisdom. Without it, even great wealth can quickly be squandered or lost. Wisdom helps us make prudent decisions, invest wisely, and prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Unlike money, which can be depleted, wisdom grows with experience and can be applied to every area of life, making it a far more reliable and enduring refuge.
Do Not Worry About the Future
“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this:
God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV)
The Teacher challenges the tendency to speculate about the future, pointing out that despite all efforts to plan and predict, the future remains unknown because it is ultimately governed by God’s will. Therefore, the Teacher encourages us to find contentment in the present, accepting that God’s purposes will unfold in His timing.
Often, people spend a lot of time and energy worrying about what might happen next, which is the opposite of nostalgia, where they long for the past. The Teacher shares his experience of trying to anticipate and control the future, only to realise that it is ultimately in God’s hands. This understanding calls us to live in the moment and trust that whatever comes—whether good or bad—is within God’s sovereign plan.
Christians frequently say, “God’s will be done,” but seldom do they truly mean it, as we usually prefer our own will to be fulfilled. The teacher reminds us that God has made both good and difficult times and does not reveal when either will come our way. We are meant to trust in His wisdom, even when we do not understand why certain things happen.
Do Not Be Overrighteous
“Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise— why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool— why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.” – Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 (NIV)
While being righteous and wise are inherently good qualities, they can turn negative when they are rooted in self-dependence and a desire to impress others. The Teacher warns against being “overrighteous” or “overwise,” which refers to a kind of self-righteousness—practising virtue or wisdom merely for the sake of appearances or to gain the approval of others. This behaviour can lead to self-destruction because it shifts the focus away from genuine faith and integrity towards self-promotion.
When we read these verses in the context of the previous passages, it becomes clear that the Teacher sees both righteousness and wickedness leading to the same outcome—death. If this is the case, then why worry excessively about maintaining a facade of righteousness, which only burdens and exhausts us? Instead, the Teacher advises against the extremes of both self-righteousness and reckless behaviour, urging a balanced approach.
However, those who fear God will not rely on self-righteousness to prove their worth, nor will they engage in foolish behaviour that brings harm. Instead, they will find a balanced path that honours God, navigating life’s complexities with discernment and avoiding the pitfalls of extremes. We should live our lives with sincerity and moderation, grounded in reverence for God rather than the opinions or judgments of others.
Careful What You Hear
“Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” – Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 (NIV)
The Teacher advises us not to pay too much attention to every word people say, as doing so can lead to unnecessary distress, especially when we hear negative comments or criticism. People often focus more on sharing negative opinions rather than positive ones. Therefore, it is wiser to listen less and not let every critical remark affect us deeply. There is a natural tendency to retaliate when we feel wronged, but reacting impulsively can lead to further complications.
Sometimes, we might wish for the power to read minds to truly understand how others perceive us. While some try to gauge people’s thoughts through body language, the reality is that we will never fully know what others think of us. If we could read minds, we would likely be confronted with both the harsh and flattering opinions people hold about us. Hearing someone bad-mouthing us or discovering that a friend has betrayed our trust can indeed be painful. The Teacher’s advice reminds us to maintain perspective and humility, recognising that we too have made mistakes and spoken harshly at times. By acknowledging our own imperfections and focusing on our reactions, we can better manage our responses to criticism and avoid letting it unduly affect our peace of mind.
The Teacher’s insights encourage us to embrace the present, accept life’s uncertainties, and navigate our journey with humility and wisdom. By focusing on what truly matters—our faithfulness to God and our genuine character—we find a path to lasting peace and fulfilment. Ultimately, our challenge is to live with a heart that seeks God’s will, values integrity over superficial approval and embraces life’s complexities with trust in His sovereign plan.
Discussion Questions
- Why does the Teacher compare the value of a good name to be better than fine perfume?
- Is the day of our death actually better than the day of our birth?
- Is nostalgia inherently harmful?
- Between money and wisdom, which is a better safe haven and why?
- What does the Teacher teach us about speculating on the future and accepting the present?
- How can being overly righteous or wise turn negative?
- What advice does the Teacher offer regarding handling criticism and gossip?
The Jordan Valley 
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