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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 10:1 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer's oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/21_Ecc_10_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 10:1 - Wisdom and Folly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer's oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: <i>so doth</i> a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom <i>and</i> honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; <i>So does</i> a little folly to one respected for wisdom <i>and</i> honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies turn a perfumer’s oil rancid, <i>so</i> a little foolishness is more potent than wisdom <i>and</i> honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Dead flies make a perfumer&#8217s oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom <i>and</i> honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink, so a little simpleminded folly is weightier than wisdom <i>and</i> honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies make the oil of the perfumer give off a foul odor; so a little foolishness [in one who is esteemed] outweighs wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil ferment and stink; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies make a perfumer&#8217s oil ferment and stink; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so doth a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A few dead flies in perfume make all of it stink, and a little foolishness outweighs a lot of wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Dead flies cause the ointment of the perfumer to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly outweigh wisdom and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Dead flies will make a bottle of perfume stink, and then it is spoiled. A little foolishness outweighs wisdom [and] honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Dead flies can make a whole bottle of perfume stink, and a little stupidity can cancel out the greatest wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As dead flies cause the perfumer's ointment to stink, so also does a little foolishness to one's reputation of wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer?s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />One dead fly makes the perfumer's ointment give off a rancid stench, so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth an offensive odor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to produce an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Dead flies cause a perfumer’s perfume "" To send forth a stink; The precious by reason of wisdom—By reason of honor—a little folly!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Dead flies cause a perfumer's perfume To send forth a stink; The precious by reason of wisdom -- By reason of honour -- a little folly!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Flies of death will cause the oil of the perfume to stink, it will ferment: the preciousness of wisdom above the honor of the least folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Dying flies spoil the sweetness of the ointment. Wisdom and glory is more precious than a small and shortlived folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Dying flies ruin the sweetness of the ointment. Wisdom and glory is more precious than a brief and limited foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Dead flies corrupt and spoil the perfumer’s oil; more weighty than wisdom or wealth is a little folly! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a foul odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />LIKE dead flies which make the container of precious ointment stink, so does a great folly outweigh wisdom and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Like dead flies putrefy a vessel of sweet oil, a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and than great glory<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Dead flies make the ointment of the perfumer fetid and putrid; So doth a little folly outweigh wisdom and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Pestilent flies will corrupt a preparation of sweet ointment: <i>and</i> a little wisdom is more precious than great glory of folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: mā·weṯ (N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">As dead</a> <a href="/hebrew/2070.htm" title="2070: zə·ḇū·ḇê (N-mpc) -- A fly. From an unused root; a fly.">flies</a> <a href="/hebrew/5042.htm" title="5042: yab·bî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To flow, spring, bubble up. A primitive root; to gush forth; figuratively, to utter; specifically, to emit.">bring</a> <a href="/hebrew/887.htm" title="887: yaḇ·’îš (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To have a bad smell, to stink. A primitive root; to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally.">a stench</a> <a href="/hebrew/7543.htm" title="7543: rō·w·qê·aḥ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To mix or compound oil or ointment. A primitive root; to perfume.">to the perfumer’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: še·men (N-msc) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">oil,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘āṭ (Adj-ms) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few.">so a little</a> <a href="/hebrew/5531.htm" title="5531: siḵ·lūṯ (N-fsc) -- Folly. Or sikluwth; from cakal; silliness.">folly</a> <a href="/hebrew/3368.htm" title="3368: yā·qār (Adj-ms) -- Precious, rare, splendid, weighty. From yaqar; valuable.">outweighs</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: mê·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: mik·kā·ḇō·wḏ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">and honor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs 10:1</a></span><br />The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">1 Corinthians 5:6</a></span><br />Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Galatians 5:9</a></span><br />A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/2-15.htm">Song of Solomon 2:15</a></span><br />Catch for us the foxes—the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—for our vineyards are in bloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Proverbs 25:26</a></span><br />Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-6.htm">Matthew 16:6</a></span><br />“Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13</a></span><br />You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Luke 12:1</a></span><br />In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. Jesus began to speak first to His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Proverbs 19:3</a></span><br />A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">2 Timothy 2:17</a></span><br />and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking smell: so does a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/30-34.htm">Exodus 30:34,35</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; <i>these</i> sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like <i>weight</i>: … </p><p class="hdg">a little</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/19-2.htm">2 Chronicles 19:2</a></b></br> And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore <i>is</i> wrath upon thee from before the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/6-13.htm">Nehemiah 6:13</a></b></br> Therefore <i>was</i> he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and <i>that</i> they might have <i>matter</i> for an evil report, that they might reproach me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/13-26.htm">Nehemiah 13:26</a></b></br> Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/37-29.htm">Apothecary</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Flies</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-18.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Little</a> <a href="/numbers/29-6.htm">Odor</a> <a href="/psalms/139-24.htm">Offensive</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/job/6-3.htm">Outweigh</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Outweighs</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/exodus/37-29.htm">Perfumer</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-8.htm">Putrid</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-10.htm">Reputation</a> <a href="/job/6-6.htm">Savour</a> <a href="/psalms/38-5.htm">Stink</a> <a href="/job/28-19.htm">Valued</a> <a href="/john/5-36.htm">Weightier</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/30-25.htm">Apothecary</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-25.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-18.htm">Flies</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-10.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-23.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-10.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/songs/2-15.htm">Little</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-24.htm">Odor</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-24.htm">Offensive</a> <a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Ointment</a> <a href="/job/6-3.htm">Outweigh</a> <a href="/romans/5-15.htm">Outweighs</a> <a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Perfume</a> <a href="/exodus/30-25.htm">Perfumer</a> <a href="/songs/4-13.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-8.htm">Putrid</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/acts/5-34.htm">Reputation</a> <a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Savour</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-24.htm">Stink</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-23.htm">Valued</a> <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Weightier</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">observations of wisdom and folly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">death in life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">and the day of judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil</b><br>This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate how something small and seemingly insignificant can have a disproportionately large negative impact. In ancient times, perfumer's oil was a valuable commodity, often used for anointing and as a luxury item. The presence of dead flies would spoil the fragrance, rendering it useless. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of purity and the need to maintain holiness, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/11-20.htm">Leviticus 11:20-23</a>, where certain insects are deemed unclean. The metaphor also reflects the cultural understanding of the time, where cleanliness and purity were highly valued, especially in religious practices.<p><b>so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the destructive power of folly, even when it is minor. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, folly is often contrasted with wisdom, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/10.htm">Proverbs 10:1</a> and throughout the book of Proverbs. Wisdom and honor are attributes that are highly esteemed, yet the verse warns that even a small amount of foolishness can undermine them. This concept is echoed in <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">1 Corinthians 5:6</a>, where a little leaven is said to leaven the whole lump, illustrating how a small negative influence can corrupt the whole. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's character and reputation, aligning with the biblical call to live wisely and honorably.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/perfumer.htm">Perfumer</a></b><br>A craftsman in ancient times who created fragrant oils and perfumes, highly valued in biblical culture for anointing and ceremonial purposes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/dead_flies.htm">Dead Flies</a></b><br>Symbolic of small, seemingly insignificant things that can cause significant damage or corruption.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_and_honor.htm">Wisdom and Honor</a></b><br>Central themes in Ecclesiastes, representing the pursuit of a life aligned with God's principles and the respect that comes from living wisely.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/folly.htm">Folly</a></b><br>Represents foolishness or a lack of good judgment, often contrasted with wisdom throughout the book of Ecclesiastes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_small_things.htm">The Power of Small Things</a></b><br>Just as dead flies can ruin a batch of perfume, small acts of folly can tarnish a person's reputation and negate their wisdom and honor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_folly.htm">Guarding Against Folly</a></b><br>Believers are called to be vigilant in their actions and decisions, understanding that even minor lapses in judgment can have significant consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_wisdom.htm">Pursuing Wisdom</a></b><br>The pursuit of wisdom should be a daily endeavor, seeking God's guidance through prayer and scripture to avoid the pitfalls of folly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_reputation.htm">The Value of Reputation</a></b><br>A good reputation is precious and should be protected by living a life of integrity and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_all_things.htm">Reflecting Christ in All Things</a></b><br>As Christians, our actions should reflect Christ, ensuring that our lives are a testament to His wisdom and honor.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_eccl._10_1_align_with_grace.htm">How can "dead flies spoil the perfumer’s ointment" (Ecclesiastes 10:1) be reconciled with biblical themes of grace and forgiveness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_1_10_view_new_tech.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:10 - If someone points to innovations as 'new,' how does the text account for modern technology and entirely unprecedented achievements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_ecclesiastes_10_2_culturally_biased.htm">Does the association of the wise with the 'right' and fools with the 'left' (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/effects_of_acting_foolishly.htm">What are the consequences of acting foolishly?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-3.</span> - Section 11. <span class="accented">A little folly mars the effect of wisdom</span>, and is sure to make itself conspicuous. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor.</span> This is a metaphorical confirmation of the truth enunciated at the end of the last chapter, "One sinner destroyeth much good." It is like the apostle's warning to his converts, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (<a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">1 Corinthians 5:6</a>). The Hebrew expression is literally, "flies of death," which may mean either "dead flies," as in our version and the Vulgate (<span class="accented">muses morientes</span>), or "deadly, poisonous flies," as in the Septuagint (<span class="greek">μυῖαι θανατοῦσαι</span>). The latter rendering seems preferable, if we regard the use of similar compound phrases, <span class="accented">e.g.</span>, "instruments of death" (<a href="/psalms/7-14.htm">Psalm 7:14</a>: [13]); "snares of death" (<a href="/psalms/18-5.htm">Psalm 18:5</a>); and in New Testament Greek, <span class="greek">ἡ πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου</span>, "the death-stroke" (<a href="/revelation/13-3.htm">Revelation 13:3, 12</a>). The flies meant are such as are poisonous in their bite, or carry infection with them. Such insects corrupt anything which they touch - food, ointment, whether they perish where they alight or not. They, as the Hebrew says, <span class="accented">make to stink, make to ferment, the oil of the perfumer</span>. The singular verb is here used with the plural subject to express the unity of the individuals, "flies" forming one complete idea. The Septuagint rendering omits one of the verbs: <span class="greek">Σαμπιοῦσι σκευασίαν ἐλαίου</span> <span class="greek">ἡδύσματος</span>, "Corrupt a preparation of sweet ointment." The point, of course, is the comparative insignificance of the cause which spoils a costly substance compounded with care and skill. Thus little faults mar great characters and reputations. "A good name is better than precious ointment" (<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1</a>), but a good name is ruined by follies, and then it stinks in men's nostrils. The term, "ointment of the apothecary," is used by Moses (<a href="/exodus/30-25.htm">Exodus 30:25</a>, etc.) in describing the holy chrism which was reserved for special occasions. So doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. The meaning of the Authorized Version is tolerably correct, but the actual rendering will hardly stand, and one wants some verb to govern "him that," etc. The other versions vary. Septuagint, "A little wisdom is more precious (<span class="greek">τίμιον</span>) than great glory of folly;" Vulgate, "More precious are wisdom and glory than small and short-lived folly;" Jerome, "Precious above wisdom and glory is a little folly." This last interpretation proceeds upon the idea that such "folly" is at any rate free from pride, and has few glaring faults. "Dulce est desipere in loco," says Horace ('Carm.,' 4:12. 28). But the original is best translated thus: "More weighty than wisdom, than honor, is a little folly." It is a painful fact that a little folly, one foolish act, one silly peculiarity of manner or disposition, will suffice to impair the real value of a matt's wisdom and the estimation in which he was held. The little clement of foolishness, like the little insect in the ointment, obscures the real excellence of the man, and deprives him of the honor that is really his due. And in religion we know that one fault unchecked, one Secret sin cherished, poisons the whole character, makes a man lose the grace of God. (For the same effect from another cause, see <a href="/ezekiel/3-20.htm">Ezekiel 3:20</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/33-13.htm">Ezekiel 33:13</a>.) Jerome sees in the "dead flies" wicked thoughts put into the Christian's mind by Beelzebub, "the lord of flies." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As dead</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֔וֶת</span> <span class="translit">(mā·weṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flies</span><br /><span class="heb">זְב֣וּבֵי</span> <span class="translit">(zə·ḇū·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2070.htm">Strong's 2070: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bring</span><br /><span class="heb">יַבִּ֖יעַ</span> <span class="translit">(yab·bî·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5042.htm">Strong's 5042: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gush forth, to utter, to emit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a stench</span><br /><span class="heb">יַבְאִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(yaḇ·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_887.htm">Strong's 887: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smell bad, to be offensive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the perfumer’s</span><br /><span class="heb">רוֹקֵ֑חַ</span> <span class="translit">(rō·w·qê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7543.htm">Strong's 7543: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mix or compound oil or ointment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">oil,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣מֶן</span> <span class="translit">(še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so a little</span><br /><span class="heb">מְעָֽט׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·‘āṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> </span><span class="str2">A little, fewness, a few</span><br /><br /><span class="word">folly</span><br /><span class="heb">סִכְל֥וּת</span> <span class="translit">(siḵ·lūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5531.htm">Strong's 5531: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">outweighs</span><br /><span class="heb">יָקָ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(yā·qār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3368.htm">Strong's 3368: </a> </span><span class="str2">Precious, rare, splendid, weighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחָכְמָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥā·ḵə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and honor.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכָּב֖וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kā·ḇō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the oil (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>