Ecclesiastes 9:8

Let thy garments be always white In the symbolism of colours, so universal that we may almost call it natural, white garments, cool and refreshing in the heat of an Eastern climate, have always been associated with the idea of purity and joy (2 Chronicles 5:12; Esther 8:15). In the religious symbolism of Revelation 3:4-5; Revelation 3:18; Revelation 6:11, the idea of purity is, perhaps, predominant over that of joy. So in Roman life the term "albatus" (clothed in white garments) was used of one who took part in a festive banquet (Hor. Sat.ii. 2. 61; Cic. in Vatin. c. 13). A singular instance of literalism is recorded in the life of Sisinnius, the Novatian bishop of Constantinople, who, as in obedience to this precept, never wore any but white garments (Socr. H. E.vi. 21). Chrysostom censures his ostentation.

let thy head lack no ointment Here, again, illustrations from Hebrew, Greek and Roman life crowd on us. We think of the "oil of gladness" of Psalms 45:7; the "oil of joy" of Isaiah 61:3; of "the sweet smell" of Isaiah 3:24; of "the costly wine and ointments" of Wis 2:7; of the "perfusus liquidis odoribus" of Hor. Od.i. 5; of the "Assyriaque nardo potamus uncti" ("let us drink anointed with Assyrian nard") of Hor. Od.ii. 11.