The Destiny of Every Man

There’s no “ointment” (perfume) more precious (desirable) than a good name. We know that there is no “ointment” more desirable than God’s anointing. Yet, if we had to choose between a good name and God’s anointing, we would choose a good name (, ).

says, “A good name is to be chosen over ‘great riches’” (gifts, material wealth).

Besides, ointment is for the outward man, while “name” affects the inward man (character).

Ecclesiastes 7:1b KJV 1900

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.

Why would one choose the day of one’s death over the day of their birth? For the same reason why one would choose a good name over an “anointing” (something that only lasts for a time). It is because a man’s name is chosen when he is born, but it is ESTABLISHED when he dies. No matter what name you were given at birth, how you live your life will determine your true identity (reputation).

Your name is Constance (constant/firm of purpose), but you are fickle and flighty

Your name is Joy, but you are always depressed

Your name is Caleb (devoted/bold), but you are fearful and unfaithful

Your name is Chastity, but you are promiscuous and fast

Mourning (passionate grief) is better than feasting (pleasure, celebration) because it forces us to think about God and our end. No one’s thinking about God (the end) at parties.

In athletics (sports) the final score is all that matters. The same is true when you purchase goods. Don’t tell me about what you accomplished, who won the game? Don’t tell me how good it looks, drives or feels. How much does it cost? In other words, what’s the bottom line?

The bottom line of life is WHERE’S YOUR NAME ()?

Who among us would choose sorrow over laughter? Yet, we are admonished to choose sorrow over laughter. Now, we do not believe that sorrow is ALWAYS better than laughter. But there are times when sorrow is to be preferred over laughter, namely when we are trying to make the heart better. No one has ever gotten stronger through laughter (no pain no gain). No one has ever made significant changes in life because of laughter.

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It is sorrow, not joy, that turns men from sin. Joy doesn’t cause men to turn from sin. It causes men to return to sin. Joy causes us to continue, not change and not start.

These verses are about the importance of developing a serious view of life.