Ecclesiastes 10 1

Ecclesiastes 10:1 kjv

Dead 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.

Ecclesiastes 10:1 nkjv

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.

Ecclesiastes 10:1 niv

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

Ecclesiastes 10:1 esv

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

Ecclesiastes 10:1 nlt

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

Ecclesiastes 10 verses

Ecclesiastes 10 1 Meaning

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour. This proverb highlights how a small amount of corruption or a minor flaw can spoil something that is otherwise valuable and well-made. It emphasizes that the presence of even one wrong element can ruin the effectiveness or integrity of the whole.

Ecclesiastes 10 1 Context

This verse is the first in chapter 10 of Ecclesiastes. Chapter 10 begins a new section within the book, often characterized by practical wisdom and aphorisms about life under the sun. Following the meditations on the vanity of life in the earlier chapters, Solomon (the traditional author) offers counsel on how to live wisely in a flawed world. This particular verse serves as an introductory metaphor for the ideas that follow, emphasizing how even minor impurities can ruin something precious. The surrounding verses will explore various aspects of wisdom and folly, particularly in leadership and speech, all framed by the overarching theme of life's experiences. The historical context is ancient Israel, where the wisdom literature served to guide individuals in their daily conduct and understanding of God's order.

Ecclesiastes 10 1 Word Analysis

• Dead (מֵתִים - metîm):

  • Literal meaning: lifeless, deceased.
  • Significance: Implies inertness, inability to contribute positively, and a source of corruption that actively spoils. Dead matter is putrefying.

• Flies (צְּרָעָה - tzəra'ah):

  • Literal meaning: flies, stinging insects.
  • Significance: While small and seemingly insignificant individually, a swarm or even a few can be intensely irritating and disruptive. Symbolically represents intrusive, vexing, or corrupting elements. The term is singular here, perhaps emphasizing that even a single contaminant is enough.

• Cause (תַּבְעִיר - tav'ir):

  • Literal meaning: to cause to become foul, to make to stink, to ferment, to corrupt.
  • Significance: A strong verb indicating active spoilage and decay. It’s not a passive reaction, but an active corruption.

• Ointment (שֶׁמֶן - shemen):

  • Literal meaning: oil, fat, ointment.
  • Significance: Represents something precious, valuable, often used for anointing, healing, purification, or fragrance. In ancient times, it was essential for medicine, perfumery, and religious rituals. Its value makes the spoiling all the more tragic.

• Apothecary (רוֹקֵחַ - roqeaḥ):

  • Literal meaning: perfumer, apothecary, spice-maker.
  • Significance: Refers to someone skilled in preparing fragrances, medicines, or incense – implying knowledge, precision, and the creation of something fine. Their skill and the value of their product are undermined by the flies.

• To Send forth (וּתְמִיס - utəmiys):

  • Literal meaning: and cause to emit, to cause to give off a smell.
  • Significance: Focuses on the emission of the offensive odor, the visible effect of the hidden corruption.

• A Stinking (וּפָסִּיד - u'fasid):

  • Literal meaning: and to become putrid, to stink, to cause a fetid smell.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the strong, offensive, repulsive nature of the resulting smell. It’s the opposite of the intended pleasant aroma.

• Savour (רֵיחַ - reaḥ):

  • Literal meaning: smell, odor, fragrance.
  • Significance: Refers to the scent itself, which was intended to be pleasing.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "Dead flies": This pair signifies something seemingly minor or once benign that has now become a source of decay and corruption. It suggests an inherent flaw that actively spoils.
  • "Ointment of the apothecary": This phrase represents something carefully prepared, valuable, and intended for good purpose (healing, fragrance). The contrast between the precious ointment and the common fly is stark.
  • "Cause to send forth a stinking savour": This describes the consequence – the diffusion of the spoilage, making the entire substance repulsive and useless for its intended purpose. It highlights the pervasive nature of even small corruptions.

Ecclesiastes 10 1 Bonus Section

The analogy is particularly striking given the high value of perfumed oils and ointments in the ancient world, often used in sacred rituals, royal anointing, and as costly perfumes. The idea of dead flies, small but intensely repulsive, ruining such a valued substance underscores the proverb's gravity. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump" (1 Cor. 5:6), and that faithfulness in little things is essential for greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10). The specific mention of "dead flies" highlights that the source of corruption is not always aggressive or immediately apparent; sometimes, it is inertness and decay that introduce the poison.

Ecclesiastes 10 1 Commentary

This proverb is a powerful metaphor for how a small degree of corruption, folly, or sin can utterly ruin something good. Just as dead flies, though individually small, can make a large quantity of precious perfume or medicine useless and offensive, so too can a minor ethical lapse, a persistent lie, or a small act of unfaithfulness spoil a person's reputation, a ministry's effectiveness, or a nation's integrity. It's a call to meticulous attention to purity and wholeness, recognizing that minor contaminations can have far-reaching negative consequences. The wisdom here warns against complacency; even what appears minor can carry immense destructive potential when introduced into something valuable.