Proverbs 10:26
New International Version
As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them.

New Living Translation
Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

English Standard Version
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

Berean Standard Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.

King James Bible
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

New King James Version
As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him.

New American Standard Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him.

NASB 1995
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him.

NASB 1977
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to those who send him.

Amplified Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him to work.

Christian Standard Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so the slacker is to the one who sends him on an errand.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so the slacker is to the one who sends him on an errand.

American Standard Version
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to them that send him.

Contemporary English Version
Having a lazy person on the job is like a mouth full of vinegar or smoke in your eyes.

English Revised Version
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Like vinegar to the teeth, like smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy person to those who send him [on a mission].

Good News Translation
Never get a lazy person to do something for you; he will be as irritating as vinegar on your teeth or smoke in your eyes.

International Standard Version
As vinegar is to the mouth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy person to those who send him.

Majority Standard Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.

NET Bible
Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

New Heart English Bible
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

Webster's Bible Translation
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

World English Bible
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
As vinegar to the teeth, "" And as smoke to the eyes, "" So [is] the slothful to those sending him.

Young's Literal Translation
As vinegar to the teeth, And as smoke to the eyes, So is the slothful to those sending him.

Smith's Literal Translation
As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is the slothful one to those sending him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that sent him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Like vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is a lazy one to those who sent him.

New American Bible
As vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, are sluggards to those who send them.

New Revised Standard Version
Like vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so are the lazy to their employers.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
As unripe grapes are hurtful to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so does wickedness hurt those who indulge in it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
As unripe grapes hurt the teeth, and smoke the eyes, so evil hurts those practicing it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to them that send him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
As a sour grape is hurtful to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so iniquity hurts those that practise it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son
25When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever. 26Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him. 27The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.…

Cross References
Matthew 25:26
‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.

Proverbs 6:6-11
Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...

Proverbs 26:13-16
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” / As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed. / The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. ...

Matthew 21:28-31
But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ / ‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. / Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. ...

Luke 19:20-24
Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth. / For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ / His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? ...

Proverbs 19:24
The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

Proverbs 20:4
The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

Proverbs 24:30-34
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...

Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.

Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

Proverbs 13:4
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 18:9
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

Romans 12:11
Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.


Treasury of Scripture

As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

vinegar

Proverbs 25:13,20
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters…

as smoke.

Isaiah 65:5
Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

so

Matthew 25:26
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Romans 12:11
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

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Proverbs 10
1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices














Like vinegar to the teeth
Vinegar, in ancient times, was a common household item, often used for cleaning and preserving. Its acidic nature can erode enamel, causing discomfort and damage to teeth. This imagery suggests something that is irritating and harmful. In biblical symbolism, vinegar is sometimes associated with bitterness or sourness, as seen in the offering of vinegar to Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:48). The comparison here highlights the unpleasantness and detrimental effects of a slacker's behavior on those who rely on him.

and smoke to the eyes
Smoke is a frequent irritant, causing discomfort and tears, and can obscure vision. In the ancient Near East, where open fires were common for cooking and heating, smoke would have been a familiar nuisance. This imagery conveys the idea of something that is not only irritating but also obstructive. The Bible often uses smoke as a symbol of judgment or divine presence (Exodus 19:18), but here it emphasizes the immediate, personal discomfort caused by a slacker's unreliability.

so is the slacker to those who send him
A slacker, or lazy person, is someone who fails to fulfill responsibilities, causing frustration and disappointment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where community and family roles were vital, a slacker would disrupt the social and economic fabric. This proverb warns against entrusting important tasks to unreliable individuals. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to work diligently as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). The slacker's impact is likened to the irritation of vinegar and smoke, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and responsibility in one's duties.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Slacker
This term refers to a lazy or negligent person who fails to fulfill their responsibilities, particularly in the context of being sent on a task or mission.

2. The Sender
This is the person or authority who entrusts the slacker with a task, expecting it to be completed efficiently and effectively.

3. Vinegar
In ancient times, vinegar was a common household item, known for its sour taste and potential to cause discomfort to the teeth.

4. Smoke
Smoke is a byproduct of fire, often causing irritation and discomfort to the eyes, symbolizing the frustration caused by the slacker.

5. Proverbs
A book in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for its wisdom literature that provides practical guidance for righteous living.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Laziness
Laziness leads to frustration and disappointment for those who rely on us. Just as vinegar and smoke cause discomfort, so does a lack of diligence in fulfilling responsibilities.

The Importance of Diligence
Diligence is a virtue that honors God and benefits others. We are called to be faithful stewards of the tasks entrusted to us.

Responsibility to Others
Our actions impact those around us. Being reliable and responsible reflects our commitment to serving others and glorifying God.

Spiritual Implications
Laziness in spiritual matters can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth and service. We must be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual walk.

Reflecting Christ in Our Work
As Christians, our work ethic should reflect Christ's character. We are ambassadors for Him in all we do, including our daily tasks and responsibilities.Verse 26. - Vinegar (Ruth 2:14; Psalm 69:21). As sour wine sets the teeth on edge. Septuagint, "as the unripe grape is harmful to the teeth" (Ezekiel 18:2). Smoke. In a country where chimneys were unknown, and the fuel was wood or some substance more unsavoury, the eyes must have often been painfully affected by the household fire. Thus lacrimosus, "tear-producing," is a classical epithet of smoke (see Ovid, 'Metam.,' 10:6; Her., 'Sat.,' 1:5, 80). To these two annoyances is compared the messenger who loiters on his errand. The last clause is rendered by the LXX., "So is iniquity to those who practise it" - it brings only pain and vexation.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Like vinegar
כַּחֹ֤מֶץ ׀ (ka·ḥō·meṣ)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2558: Vinegar

to the teeth
לַשִּׁנַּ֗יִם (laš·šin·na·yim)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - cd
Strong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliff

and smoke
וְכֶעָשָׁ֥ן (wə·ḵe·‘ā·šān)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6227: Smoke

to the eyes,
לָעֵינָ֑יִם (lā·‘ê·nā·yim)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - cd
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

so
כֵּ֥ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

[is] the sluggard
הֶ֝עָצֵ֗ל (he·‘ā·ṣêl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6102: Sluggish, lazy

to those who send him.
לְשֹׁלְחָֽיו׃ (lə·šō·lə·ḥāw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth and as (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 10:25
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