Ecclesiastes 10:1 - Common English Bible

As dead flies spoil the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

DEAD FLIES cause the ointment of the perfumer to putrefy [and] send forth a vile odor; so does a little folly [in him who is valued for wisdom] outweigh wisdom and honor.

American Standard Version (1901)

Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so doth a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.

Catholic Public Domain Version

Dying flies ruin the sweetness of the ointment. Wisdom and glory is more precious than a brief and limited foolishness.