1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Ecclesiastes is a book in the Old Testament of the KJV Holy Bible, attributed to King Solomon. It is a collection of philosophical musings and reflections on the meaning of life, written from the perspective of someone who has experienced wealth, power, and pleasure, but ultimately found them to be meaningless. In chapter 7, the author continues to explore the theme of the vanity of life, but also offers wisdom and practical advice for living a meaningful life.
The opening verses of chapter 7 set the tone for the rest of the chapter, with the author proclaiming, "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth" (Ecclesiastes 7:1). This statement may seem counterintuitive, as the day of one's birth is typically seen as a joyous occasion, while the day of one's death is associated with sorrow and loss. However, the author is highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a good reputation behind rather than focusing on material possessions.
The author goes on to list several other examples of the vanity of life, including the fleeting nature of pleasure and the inevitability of death. He also reflects on the fact that both the wise and the foolish will face the same fate, and that wealth and success do not guarantee a happy life. These reflections serve to remind the reader that life is short and ultimately meaningless without a higher purpose.
Amidst the musings on the vanity of life, the author also offers wisdom and practical advice for living a meaningful life. He encourages the reader to seek wisdom and to avoid extremes, stating, "Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?" (Ecclesiastes 7:16). This caution against excessive righteousness and wisdom can be interpreted as a warning against self-righteousness and pride, which can ultimately lead to destruction.
The author also emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance, stating, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (Ecclesiastes 7:8). This serves as a reminder that good things take time and that it is important to remain humble and patient throughout the journey.
Furthermore, the author encourages the reader to embrace the present and not dwell on the past or worry about the future. He states, "Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this" (Ecclesiastes 7:10). This advice reminds the reader to focus on the present and make the most of each day, rather than getting caught up in nostalgia or anxiety.
Overall, Ecclesiastes chapter 7 serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seeking wisdom and living a balanced and patient life. It also highlights the importance of embracing the present and not getting caught up in the past or future. The author's reflections on the vanity of life serve as a caution against pursuing material possessions and worldly pleasures, and instead encourages the reader to focus on leaving a good name and living a meaningful life.
The chapter also emphasizes the concept of balance, cautioning against extremes and encouraging moderation and patience. This message is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced and materialistic society, where many people are constantly striving for more and neglecting the present moment.
Ultimately, the meaning of Ecclesiastes chapter 7 can be summed up as a reminder to live a purposeful and balanced life, seeking wisdom and embracing the present while keeping in mind the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a good legacy. It serves as a call to reflect on the true meaning of life and to focus on the things that truly matter, rather than getting caught up in the pursuit of temporary pleasures and possessions.
Ecclesiastes chapter 7 offers a thought-provoking and timeless message about the meaning of life. It serves as a reminder to live a purposeful and balanced life, seeking wisdom and embracing the present while keeping in mind the fleeting nature of life. The author's reflections on the vanity of life and practical advice for living a meaningful life are just as relevant today as they were when they were written thousands of years ago. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder to focus on the things that truly matter and to live a life that will leave a positive legacy for future generations.
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