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.
BSB
As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
WEB
Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.
YLT
Dead flies cause a perfumer’s perfume To send forth a stink; The precious by reason of wisdom—By reason of honour—a little folly!