Ecclesiastes 10:1

Dead flies cause the oyntment of the Apothecarie to send foorth a stinking sauour: so doeth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisedome and honour.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Dead flies make a perfumer's oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom {and} honor.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; `so' doth a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
- American Standard Version (1901)

Dead flies make the oil of the perfumer give out an evil smell; more valued is a little wisdom than the great glory of the foolish.
- Basic English Bible

As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer's oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
- Berean Standard Bible Bible

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink [and] ferment; [so] a little folly is weightier than wisdom [and] honour.
- Darby Bible

Dying flies spoil the sweetness of the ointment. Wisdom and glory is more precious than a small and shortlived folly.
- Douay-Rheims Bible

Dead flies cause the ointment of the perfumer to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly outweigh wisdom and honour.
- English Revised Version

Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
- World English Bible

Wesley's Notes for Ecclesiastes 10:1

10:2 Heart - His understanding is always present with him and ready to direct him. He mentions the right hand, because that is the common instrument of action. A fool's - His understanding is not effectual to govern his affections and actions.

10:3 Walketh - In his daily conversation. He saith - He discovers his folly to all that meet him.