Proverbs 10:26

26 As vinegar to the teeth, And as smoke to the eyes, So [is] the slothful to those sending him.

Proverbs 10:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:26

As vinegar to the teeth
Which, with its coldness and sourness, blunts the teeth, and makes it troublesome to eat: the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it,

``as the sour grape is hurtful to the teeth;''

sets them on edge; and as smoke to the eye;
dims the sight, causes the eye to water, and is very pernicious and vexatious: so [is] the sluggard to them that send him:
that is, the slothful messenger, as the Targum explains it; who, being sent on an errand, is dilatory, does not make haste to bring back the answer; which is very vexatious to those that send him, raises their passions, makes them fretful and very angry, be it on what account it will: so slothful and unprofitable servants, to whom talents are given for usefulness, which they hide or use not, are very provoking to Christ, and whom he will order into outer darkness; those who have gifts for sacred service ought not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, ( Matthew 25:26 Matthew 25:29 ) ( Romans 12:6-11 ) .

Proverbs 10:26 In-Context

24 The feared thing of the wicked it meeteth him, And the desire of the righteous is given.

25 As the passing by of a hurricane, So the wicked is not, And the righteous is a foundation age-during.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, And as smoke to the eyes, So [is] the slothful to those sending him.

27 The fear of Jehovah addeth days, And the years of the wicked are shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous [is] joyful, And the expectation of the wicked perisheth.