A Fly in the Ointment

1 As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor. Ecclesiastes 10:1

This verse teaches us that a great, well lived life can be spoiled by a little bit of foolishness. The Japanese have a proverb that says, “The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour.” Ronald Reagan was told about Senator Gary Hart’s affair that eventually ruined his presidential aspirations. Reagan said, “Boys will be boys, but boys won’t be president.”

As a whole bottle of fragrant perfume can be ruined by a single dead fly, a long life of good works can be forever tarnished by a moment of foolishness.

Remember this the next time you are tempted.