Ecclesiastes 7:1

Ecclesiastes 7:1 in 10 English translations. Each links through to the full chapter for context.

New International Version (NIV)

1A good name is better than fine perfume,

and the day of death better than the day of birth.

1A good name is better than good oil,

And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.

1A good name is better than precious perfume,

And the day of one’s death better than the day of one’s birth.

1A good name is better than fine perfume,

and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.

1A good name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one’s birth.

1Surely there be many things that increase vanitie: and what auaileth it man?

1A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth.

1A good name is better than fine perfume.

People can learn more from mourning when someone dies

than from being happy when someone is born.

1If people respect you as a good person,

that is better than expensive perfume.

The day of your death is better than the day of your birth.

1Better [is] a name than good perfume, || And the day of death than the day of birth.