Birth, Death, and A Good Name

By God's grace, this writer has been allowed to see another birthday. This birthday is a Bible milestone, for it is the one mentioned in Psalm 90:10 KJV; the "threescore years and ten." Therefore, it's definitely a milestone worth celebrating, considering this short life (James 4:13-14; cf. Job 7:7) and I'm thankful to see it.

However, the Ecclesiastes writer takes a different view than most people do today regarding the day of one's birth.

He states in Ecclesiastes 7:1: "A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth"

If you think about it, a good name, or reputation will far outlast any temporary ointment that might be used, no matter how costly it is. Note Hebrews 11:4 regarding the godly example of Abel and James 5:10-11 regarding the godly example the prophets and Job left us. Even though they are physically dead, the example of the good name they left behind is still speaking to us today.

Thus, the day of an individual's death is far better than the day of an individual's birth, only if that individual has lived an honorable and godly life. A newborn baby has not had the time to earn or acquire a good name or reputation and this is why Solomon tells us that the day of one's death is "better" than the day of one's birth.

John records in Revelation 14:13 regarding one's death: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord .... that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

If we "die in the Lord," our "good name" and godly reputation will not only stay intact, but the influence of that godly reputation will still be benefiting those left behind on earth.

"A good name is better than precious ointment," for a good name will last as long as eternity lasts.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets