Ecclesiastes 7-8
-Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)
My Grandpa Burnett was a quiet, unassuming man. When I was young, he was a hard-working farmer, milking cows and raising chickens and other livestock. Even after he and my grandma moved off the farm to a house at the edge of town, he was always busy with chores and responsibilities. I rarely saw him sit down and rest.
Grandpa Burnett was always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor. Sometimes, the neighbor might not even be aware of it. I remember my mom saying this about her dad.
“If your grandpa found a hole in his neighbor’s fence, he wouldn’t tell the neighbor. Grandpa would just fix it himself.”
That story from my mom has stuck with me through the years and embodies who my grandpa was—a good man, a Christian man, a man with a good name, a good reputation.
Ecclesiastes 7:1a says, “A good name is better than precious ointment.” (ESV) In Bible times, ointment was a perfumed oil used for anointing, healing, and beauty. Ointments were made with olive oil and fragrant spices that were usually uncommon and expensive.
Young King David was anointed with oil by the prophet Samuel; Jesus’ dear friend Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. These examples reflect the reverence and high regard of the individuals giving and receiving the oil or perfume, and they help us to better understand the intrinsic value of a good name.
The rich sweet smell of the costly ointment will eventually fade away. A good name, a solid reputation, will endure the test of time.
The author of Ecclesiastes finished the verse with a stark contrasting statement. “And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.” What is he saying?
At the end of our lives, we can look back and see our journey with our Creator. We can reflect on the winding paths, the mountains and valleys of life we encountered, exalted in, endured. We can testify to God’s goodness and love, affirm his steadfast faithfulness every step of the way.
Let us endeavor each day to serve God fully, seeking His glory and not our own. Let us strive to have “Good names” by the grace of God.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8 (ESV)
Reflection Questions
- Who do you know who has a “good name?” How did they get it?
- The writer of Ecclesiastes compared a good name to a precious ointment. What item comes to mind, if you would make a similar comparison?
Prayer
Dear God – I praise You. You have the perfect name forever and ever. Help me stay focused on You and what You want me to be and do. Give me the desire and energy to faithfully serve and give of myself with a good attitude. I want my light to bring others to You and Your Son and eternal life.
Seek Grow Love 