Ecclesiastes 10:1

The Excellence of Wisdom

10¹ As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

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Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 10:1

King James Version

The Excellence of Wisdom

10¹ Dead Dead...: Heb. Flies of death flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

English Standard Version

The Excellence of Wisdom

10¹ Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

The Message

The Excellence of Wisdom

10¹ Dead flies in perfume make it stink, And a little foolishness decomposes much wisdom.

New King James Version

The Excellence of Wisdom

10¹ Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.

New Living Translation

The Excellence of Wisdom

10¹ As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:1

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:1-3

(Read Ecclesiastes 10:1-3)

Those especially who make a profession of religion, should keep from all appearances of evil. A wise man has great advantage over a fool, who is always at a loss when he has anything to do. Sin is the reproach of sinners, wherever they go, and shows their folly.