Sayings

Fly in the ointment

In English, the phrase fly in the ointment is an idiomatic expression for a drawback, especially one that was not at first apparent. The likely source is a phrase in the biblical book of Ecclesiastes: Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour. (Ecclesiastes 10:1)

The apothecary was the perfumer of his day. He probably worked for King Saul. He would carefully select and mix a blend of beautiful spices, flowers, sandalwood, aromatic leaves etc. He would thoroughly stir it together, put in in a jar and close the lid, and leave it for a few days to manufacture a beautifully scented ointment for the king. But one day he forgot to put the lid on. It wasn’t long before a fly, attracted by the aroma, came and landed on the ointment and sank into it and died. The decay of the dead fly soon ruined the beautiful aroma, and the ointment was spoiled.  

For four centuries in the English language, a fly in the ointment has meant a small defect that spoils something valuable or is a source of annoyance. The modern version thus suggests that something unpleasant may come or has come to light into a situation that is otherwise pleasing; that there is something wrong hidden, unexpected somewhere.

Solomon in Ecclesiastes used the fly in the ointment phrase as an illustration of someone who is noted for being wise doing something really foolish. It causes a stink. Their reputation is spoiled. The irony is that the author himself, although he was the wisest man who ever lived, acted very foolishly at times. Sadly, in spite of his great God-given wisdom, and in spite of starting out so well, he ended badly. The lesson is very clear. Don’t allow the flies of foolishness, carelessness, selfishness or sinfulness to make our lives become blemished! 

In 2 Peter 3:13-14 the writer says, “But in keeping with God's promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to,  make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the urgency of Peter's epistle. May I take note of the warning to identify error and pursue His perfect peace as the time for Christ's fulfilment draws ever closer. May I rest in Him and, in the power of the Holy Spirit, be spotless in thought, word, deed, and motive, for I desire to live blamelessly before Your face. This I ask in Jesus' name,