Walking Thru Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s Final Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 9:1 - 12:14

 

“As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom & honor.” - Ecclesiastes 10:1 ^{New Living Translation}

                  Solomon continues to touch on the topic of wisdom as he begins the next chapter. He uses the illustration of dead flies & a bottle of perfume. There are two things we can take from this illustration. One is simply that unwise behavior can foul something good, positive, and helpful. The other is how sin, represented by the dead flies, can adversely affect creation, as represented by the perfumed oil.

                  In general, Solomon is reminding the people of the importance of using wisdom as opposed to the dangers presented by great folly. Since none of us are wholly wise or wholly foolish we must be careful not to spoil wisdom with foolish behavior. There are many times we act foolishly yet are unaware that our behavior is turning something meant for good into a foul-smelling mess. At times our foolish behavior can be a defense mechanism to avoid certain circumstances. I’m sure I’ve played the clown at inopportune times, taking a profound moment, and wrecking it. We are not perfect and will ‘step in it’ on occasion without even intending to.

                  In addition, we can say that dead flies are to perfume what foolishness is to the good reputation of a wise man.  One single misstep can ruin the reputation of wisdom and honor that a man has built up over the years. Sadly, people will more readily remember the single misstep and forget the years of worthy achievements of a man. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources:  The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Old Testament; The Wiersbe Study Bible; The Orthodox Study Bible & The Believer’s Bible Commentary.