Ecclesiastes 7:1

CHAPTER VII

The value of a good name, 1.

Advantages of sorrow and correction, 2-5.

The emptiness of a fool's joy, 6.

Of oppression, 7.

The end better than the beginning, 8.

Against hastiness of spirit, 9.

Comparison of former and present times, 10.

Excellence of wisdom, 11, 12.

Of the dispensations of Providence, 13-15.

Against extremes, 16-18.

The strength of wisdom, 19.

Man is ever liable to sin and mistake, 20.

We should guard our words, 21, 22.

Difficulty of obtaining wisdom, 23-25,

A bad woman dangerous, 26.

There are few who are really upright, 27-29.

NOTES ON CHAP. VII

Verse Ecclesiastes 7:1. A good name] Unsatisfactory as all sublunary things are, yet still there are some which are of great consequence, and among them a good name. The place is well paraphrased in the following verses:

"A spotless name,

By virtuous deeds acquired, is sweeter far

Than fragrant balms, whose odours round diffused

Regale the invited guests. Well may such men

Rejoice at death's approach, and bless the hours

That end their toilsome pilgrimage; assured

That till the race of life is finish'd none

Can be completely blest."