John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:1
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour ,.... Such, as Jarchi observes, are in the winter season, which are weak and near to death, and get into precious ointment, prepared after the best manner, where they die, and corrupt and spoil it: or, "flies of deaths" F13 זבובי מות "muscae mortis", Montanus, Vatablus, Drusius, Amama, Cocceius, Rambachius. ; deadly ones, which have something in their nature poisonous and pernicious; which, when they... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 10:1-3
In these verses Solomon shows, I. What great need wise men have to take heed of being guilty of any instance of folly; for a little folly is a great blemish to him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour, and is as hurtful to his good name as dead flies are to a sweet perfume, not only spoiling the sweetness of it, but making it to send forth a stinking savour. Note, 1. True wisdom is true honour, and will gain a man a reputation, which is like a box of precious ointment, pleasing and very... read more