Does anyone like flies? I haven't met anyone who does. Perhaps the Lord of the flies (the devil) does, but I'm pretty sure that's a metaphor to describe an evil ruler.
Ever notice how one pesky fly can ruin so much? When a fly lands in your glass or on your food, it's just unappetizing. A fly buzzing around your face is both irritating and distracting.
There's good reason King Solomon likened flies to foolishness. In ancient writings, a fool was a person who lacked good judgment or moral integrity. We have all had those moments in life.
Scripture
A few dead flies will make even the best perfume stink. In the same way, a little foolishness can ruin much wisdom and honor. The thoughts of the wise lead them the right way, but the thoughts of the foolish lead them the wrong way. Fools show how foolish they are, just walking down the road. Their minds are empty, and everyone knows it. Don’t quit your job simply because the boss is angry with you. If you remain calm and helpful, you can correct even great mistakes. [vss 1-4]
Here is something else that I have seen in this life that isn’t fair. It is the kind of mistake that rulers make. Fools are given important positions, while the rich get jobs that are not important. I have seen servants riding on horses, while rulers were walking beside them like slaves.[vss 5-7]
If you dig a hole, you might fall into it. If you break down a wall, you might be bitten by a snake. If you are moving large stones, you might be hurt by them. If you cut down a tree, you are in danger of it falling on you. But wisdom will make any job easier. It is very hard to cut with a dull knife. But if you sharpen the knife, the job is easier. Someone might know how to control snakes. But that skill is useless if a snake bites when that person is not around. [vss 8-11]
Words from the wise bring praise, but words from a fool bring destruction. Fools begin by saying something foolish. But in the end, they speak nonsense. Fools are always talking about what they will do, but you never know what will happen. People cannot tell what will happen in the future. Fools aren’t smart enough to find their way home, so they must work hard all their lives. [vss 12-15]
(Ecclesiastes 10:1-15 ERV) [Context– Ecclesiastes 10]
Key phrase—Words from the wise bring praise, but words from a fool bring destruction.
[bctt tweet="Words from the wise bring praise, but words from a fool bring destruction"]
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
How is foolishness likened to dead flies and contrasted with the wise?
What are some ways that foolishness is given importance that doesn't make sense?
How can wisdom benefit any person with any given job? How do the examples given relate to what's said before them?
What else are we told about fools and foolish talk?
Reflection...
Careless words can undo great accomplishments and a person's good standing in life. This is all the more true with today's near instant media exposure. It can be like one loose thread when pulled that unravels the whole garment.
Much in life is beyond our control. When something is unfair we can choose to react or respond. Reaction requires little thought (if any), is driven by emotion, and tends to make things worse rather than better.
A wise response requires applied wisdom. Instead of an emotional outburst, wisdom can produce a passionate, yet measured counter to what's wrong.
Dead flies stink. So also foolishness. This is where wisdom is needed. Only the wisest of all—God—is able to remove what is foolishness in us, if we're willing to allow Him to do so.
Make it personal...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
When have you said or done rash things you've regretted? What prompted these?
How do you handle situations where you're criticized, treated unfairly, or insulted?
Have you learned how to handle criticism and insults in wiser ways than before?
Do you have people in your life who are good examples of wise living? Are you willing to learn from them and their example?