“What Dead Fly Can Ruin Your Reputation?” (Proverbs 22)
January 30, 2023
While visiting Israel a few years back, our tour group was not permitted to wear perfume or cologne. At first the restriction seemed odd, but once I boarded the crowded tour bus that would be “home” for the next several days, I quickly understood the wisdom of no cologne or perfume. I was reminded of Ecclesiastes 10:1 which says,
“Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so does a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.”
None of us dared to don any Calvin Klein, lest we be that “dead fly” responsible for sending forth a stinking savor on a stuffy bus, and gaining the reputation of being foolish. And doesn’t Proverbs 22:1 remind us of the value of a good reputation?
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver and gold.”
Our most valuable asset is not our wealth, home, good looks or intelligence. Our most valuable asset just may be our name and reputation. What we do or say burns an impression in people’s minds as to who they think we are and what they think of our character. It’s an impression that is difficult to change or erase from memory. Furthermore, the value others put on our name and reputation often dictates how we will be treated, who will befriend us, and how we will be remembered. If we do right things, our name will be a positive testimony to others. If we do wrong, or name will be forgotten, or it will not be a pleasant memory to those who know us.
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”
Proverbs 10:7
Next time you board a bus, you might want to remember Ecclesiastes 7:1 –
“A good name is better than precious ointment.”