Eccl 7:1 Living bible - A good reputation is more valuable then the most expensive perfume.

Ointments and oils used by the Israelites were generally composed of olive oil combined with aromatics, such as spices, myrrh, and nard. Being very costly, these ointments were a much-prized luxury. The ingredients, and often the prepared oils and resins ready for use were imported from Phoenicia in small alabaster boxes, in which the delicious aroma was best preserved. It required very special skills to prepare them. The better kinds of ointments were so strong that they have been known to retain their scent for many centuries. One of the alabaster vases at Alnwick castle contains some of the ancient Egyptian ointments, which has retained its aroma for nearly three thousand years.

People having these oils and ointments were considered to be well off, as these things were very hard to get and very expensive. Even today, good perfumes and ointments are extremely expensive, especially ones that are custom made.

There were many uses for these oils and ointments: burning incense, anointing a person, sprinkling the dress with fragrant waters, or as a deodorant. Ointments and oils were used at feasts, weddings, and visits to persons of rank. Servants would anoint someone before an appearance with leaders such as a king or queen.

Precious ointments were also used to prepare bodies before burial.

In Mark 14:3-9 a woman pours expensive ointment over Jesus and is berated for her waste by his companions. Jesus defends her, saying "She has done what she could and anointed my body my body ahead of time for burial. And I tell you this in solemn truth, that wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and praised."

Here, Christ ties together the value of the ointment to her good deed, which has given her a good name in the sight of God.

In the English language, another word for name is reputation. Webster's dictionary has this to say about reputation – "Overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general or place in public esteem or regard: a good name."

Many times in life we make decisions that affect our reputation. We really need to think about everything we do before we do it, and realize what reflection that decision will make on us and on God, because we represent God.

When God calls us to his truth, he expects us to wear his name; we accept his name on our forehead as stated in Revelation 22:4. Because his name is pure and perfect we have an added responsibility put on our shoulders to ensure our name is good.

Colossians 1:10 reads: "and asking that the way you live will always please the Lord and honor him, so that you will always be doing good, kind things for others, while all the time you are learning to know God better and better".

We want to have a good name in our community and amongst our neighbors but even more importantly, we must have a good name in the eyes of God. If we believe in Jesus Christ, and live by his name then we wear his name, and so we must always strive to maintain a good reputation. Living life by his standard grants us a good name.

Proverbs 22:1 "If you must choose, take a good name rather that great riches, for to be in loving esteem is better than silver and gold."