Dying flies ruin the sweetness of the ointment. Wisdom and glory is more precious than a brief and limited foolishness
Other versions
King James Version
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. English Standard Version
Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.New International Version
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.