Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 10:1

1 DEad flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour .

Falling into it and abiding and being putrefied in it, especially in those Countries, where there were more filthy and venemous Flies, and where the Oyntments were more pure, and where the Air was more hot than in these parts.

Which comes to pass, partly because all the actions, and consequently the follies of such men are most diligently observed and sconest discerned and tossed about in the mouth's of men, whereas fools and all their carriages are generally disregarded; and partly because of that envious and malicious disposition of mens minds which makes them quick-[illegible: 1+ letters]ighted to discover, and glad to hear and forward to declare the faults of such as by their greater eminency did out-shine and obscure them.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] Flies [illegible: 1 word].