“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1).

“Solomon is speaking of character, not of reputation. Reputation is what other people think of you; ‘character is what you are in the dark,’ where no one sees but yourself…Solomon says that the man who has attained a sagacious character during life is like a most refreshing, soothing, healing ointment.” (Oswald Chambers)