continue to ‘shine as illuminators.’ (Phil. 2:14-16) Associated with the anointed followers of Jesus Christ, who have the prime responsibility to serve as such spiritual “illuminators,” are a “great crowd” who have the prospects of eternal life on a paradise earth.​—Rev. 7:4-9.

²⁸ Relying upon Jehovah God, all faithful Christians will continue reflecting spiritual light. With divine aid they will go on manifesting the proper motivation or spirit, one that befits persons who are worshiping Jehovah God. They will seek to cultivate and display the fruits of God’s spirit and wisely will bear in mind the fine qualities of the early Christians and others who have served Jehovah down through the centuries. And, surely, the Lord will continue to be with the spirit shown by all godly persons of today who truly are “keeping a tight grip on the word of life.” Are you among those showing the proper Christian spirit, and have you a good, tight grip on the “word of life”?

What Did the Wise Man Mean?

The Value of a Good Name

A good name or reputation is something of value that deserves to be safeguarded. Wise King Solomon observed: “A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one’s being born.” (Eccl. 7:1) In ancient times good oil was highly prized. It gave off a pleasant scent. Yet even more pleasing than the fragrance of good oil is a fine reputation. It is during the full course of life that a person’s name takes on real meaning, identifying him as to the kind of person he is. At death that name or reputation is sealed, finalized. Since a person has no reputation at birth, the ‘day of death is better than the day of one’s being born.’

A serious view of life is essential if one is to preserve a good name. Solomon recommended: “Better is it to go to the house of mourning than to go to the banquet house, because that is the end of all mankind; and the one alive should take it to his heart.”​—Eccl. 7:2.

When death strikes a household it is certainly no time for a person to forget the bereaved and callously go ahead with his feasting and reveling. Rather, this provides an opportunity to comfort the mourners. At the same time a person’s going to the “house of mourning” can have a wholesome effect on him. He is forcefully reminded of the brevity of life and how quickly one’s plans and activities can be halted. This can occasion serious reflection on how a person is living his own life. The spirit prevailing in a banquet house, on the other hand, is not conducive to such sober thinking.

Solomon continues: “Better is vexation than laughter, for by the crossness of the