Flies and Tongues

O. T. #1541  "Flies and Tongues"
Oct. 10, 2019
Ecclesiastes 10


LET IT GLOW

Every so often, the cows are moved to the front field just outside my kitchen window. That signals me to be ready to use the fly swatter in the house because inevitably nasty flies will make their way inside our house, probably when the door is opened. Since I know the source of the flies, I definitely do not want any in my house. Today's first verse speaks of flies and how their presence is not good. Continue in friends, for there is a lesson here.

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. (verse 1)

What does such an unusual verse mean to us?
First, we should look at what various versions say:

As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor. (New Living Translation)

Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one  respected for wisdom and honor. (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. (English Standard Version)

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

Now what lesson could possibly be for us concerning flies?
David Jeremiah tells us, "Foolishness in small matters can have big consequences. Seemingly little decisions and actions can ruin a person's dignity and reputation."

As a little thing as a fly can contaminate anything it touches, so can a small wrong action in our life.
We are warned to be careful as Christians for people are watching us. Evil wants us to fail in having a good influence and fall into sin.




LET IT GROW

Jump down to verses 11-14. 
This passage is not just for the tongue of the babbler but for the unkind tongue, the unwise tongue, the undisciplined tongue, the unreasonable tongue, and the unfaithful tongue. (Prov. 15:2) David Jeremiah 

The wise controls their tongue, words. 
Are this type of wise person?
Do we need a bridle to control our tongue?


LET IT GO

Watch out for small matters.
Control my tongue today.