Ecclesiastes 10:1: Dead Flies

"Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." Ecclesiastes 10:1

This morning we are going to talk briefly about dead flies. Have you ever seen a dead fly? It's kind of gross, is it not? It's probably not something you would want in your perfume (or cologne). Nevertheless, that is the exact analogy Solomon uses this morning, and thus we will use it as well.

Solomon's point in this brief verse is that folly outweighs wisdom. Just as if a dead fly were to make its way into someone's perfume and corrupt the smell, so a little folly in a life of wisdom. We may be the wisest men and women on earth, but if even a hint of folly comes into our lives, it will corrupt all of the wisdom that we once had. Thus, we must be careful to not let dead flies into our perfume, that is, folly into our wisdom.

So, what are some ways that foolishness is sneaking its way into your life? Perhaps its a friend that isn't that great of an influence, a habit that is robbing you from your personal devotion time, or a TV show that is teaching you folly. Whatever it is, be careful, lest you corrupt your wisdom. Do not let the evil of folly stain the righteousness of wisdom. Be wise, and shun all foolishness.