Proverbs 10:26
Proverbs 10:26 in Multiple Translations
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, So is the sluggard to them that send him.
Like acid drink to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is the hater of work to those who send him.
In the same way vinegar irritates the teeth and smoke irritates the eyes, lazy people irritate their employers.
As vineger is to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the slouthful to them that send him.
As vinegar to the teeth, And as smoke to the eyes, So [is] the slothful to those sending him.
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
As vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that sent him.
We do not like a lazy person who refuses to do the job that he is given to do, just like we do not like vinegar in our mouths or smoke in our eyes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/חֹ֤מֶץ
לַ/שִּׁנַּ֗יִם
וְ/כֶ/עָשָׁ֥ן
לָ/עֵינָ֑יִם
כֵּ֥ן
הֶ֝/עָצֵ֗ל
לְ/שֹׁלְחָֽי/ו
כַּ/חֹ֤מֶץ
chômets
H2558
vinegar
Prep | N-ms
לַ/שִּׁנַּ֗יִם
shên
H8127
tooth
Prep | N-cd
וְ/כֶ/עָשָׁ֥ן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
Conj | Prep | N-ms
לָ/עֵינָ֑יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
הֶ֝/עָצֵ֗ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Art | Adj
לְ/שֹׁלְחָֽי/ו
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:26
כַּ/חֹ֤מֶץ
chômets
H2558
"vinegar"
Prep | N-ms
Vinegar is a sour liquid, mentioned in the Bible as something Jesus was offered on the cross. It appears in the Old Testament as a drink for the poor. The Hebrew word for vinegar is chômets.
Definition: vinegar
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: vinegar. See also: Numbers 6:3; Psalms 69:22; Proverbs 10:26.
לַ/שִּׁנַּ֗יִם
shên
H8127
"tooth"
Prep | N-cd
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/כֶ/עָשָׁ֥ן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for smoke, whether literal or figurative, is used throughout the Bible. In Exodus, God appears to Moses in a cloud of smoke, while in other places it represents God's anger or judgment. Smoke can also symbolize prayer rising to God.
Definition: 1) smoke 1a) smoke 1b) in metaphor, simile 1c) smoke (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: smoke(-ing). See also: Genesis 15:17; Proverbs 10:26; Psalms 18:9.
לָ/עֵינָ֑יִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הֶ֝/עָצֵ֗ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
"sluggish"
Art | Adj
A sluggish person, often called a sluggard, this word describes someone who is habitually lazy or idle, like the slothful person in Proverbs.
Definition: 1) sluggish, lazy 1a) sluggard (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: slothful, sluggard. See also: Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 6:9.
לְ/שֹׁלְחָֽי/ו
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:26
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
24What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
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. 28The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 25:13 | Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:6 | Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Hebrews 6:12 | Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. |
| 5 | Proverbs 25:20 | Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. |
| 6 | Isaiah 65:5 | They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long. |
| 7 | Romans 12:11 | Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. |
Proverbs 10:26 Summary
[Proverbs 10:26 teaches us that being lazy or a slacker can be really frustrating and annoying to those around us, like vinegar in our teeth or smoke in our eyes. This is because, as seen in Proverbs 6:6-11, laziness can lead to a lack of trust and respect from others. We should strive to be diligent and responsible, like the ant in Proverbs 6:6-11, and work hard to complete the tasks given to us, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24. By doing so, we can build strong relationships and bring joy to those around us, as seen in Proverbs 22:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible mean by a 'slacker' in Proverbs 10:26?
The term 'slacker' refers to someone who is lazy or idle, failing to fulfill their responsibilities, as seen in Proverbs 6:6-11, where the sluggard is contrasted with the diligent ant.
How does the comparison of the slacker to 'vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes' help us understand the impact of laziness?
This comparison, as seen in Proverbs 10:26, highlights the irritating and frustrating nature of dealing with a lazy person, much like the physical discomfort caused by vinegar and smoke, and is a reminder to strive for diligence, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24.
What are the consequences for those who send a slacker to complete a task?
The consequences for those who send a slacker to complete a task can include frustration, disappointment, and potentially, harm to their reputation or relationships, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, where a good name is considered more desirable than great riches.
How can we apply the lesson of Proverbs 10:26 in our daily lives?
By being diligent and responsible in our work and interactions, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:4-5, and avoiding the pitfalls of laziness, we can build trust and respect with others, and bring glory to God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting like a slacker, and how can I work to change that?
- How do I respond when I encounter someone who is lazy or irresponsible, and what can I do to help them?
- In what ways can I demonstrate diligence and responsibility in my daily tasks and interactions, and how will that impact those around me?
- What are some potential consequences of laziness that I can reflect on, and how can I use those reflections to motivate myself to be more diligent?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:26
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. As vinegar (is hurtful) to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so (is) the sluggard (hurtful) to them that send him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
As vinegar to the teeth; Which by its cold and sharpness it offends. So is the sluggard; unserviceable and vexatious.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
Proverbs 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that send him.Ver. 26. So is the sluggard to them that send him.] Habent aulae suum cito, cito. What thou doest, do quickly, said our Saviour to the traitor. He cannot away with dulness and oscitancy in any of his, but condemns it in those slow things, νωθροι, the Hebrews, and commands them double diligence. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." A dull heart makes no riddance. Baruc accendit seipsum repairing earnestly, and so finished his task in shorter time. Let ambassadors, ministers, messengers, &c., nimble up their business, or look for no thank. What a deal of content gave Cranmer to Henry VIII, by his expediting the business of the divorce, both at home and abroad, in foreign universities! And what a deal of distaste gave Wolsey by the contrary!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
Verse 26. As vinegar to the teeth] The acid softening and dissolving the alkali of the bone, so as to impair their texture, and render them incapable of masticating; and as smoke affects the eyes, irritating their tender vessels, so as to give pain and prevent distinct vision; so the sluggard, the lounging, thriftless messenger, who never returns in time with the desired answer.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:26
26. them that send him] Contrast Proverbs 25:13.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:26
The teeth set on edge by the sour wine used by peasants Rth 2:14; Psalms 69:21, the eye irritated by wood-smoke, these shadow the annoyance of having a messenger who will loiter on the way.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:26
26. As… smoke… so is the sluggard — Not an antithetic verse, but a similitude easily apprehended. A sluggard is an annoyance, as is acid to the teeth or smoke to the eyes. Vinegar — Sour wine.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:26
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Proverbs) ch.10:12 - 11:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that riches will not help anyone on judgment day, only righteousness will matter. It is not about Bible knowledge or religious activities, bu |
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Anti Christ Exposed - J. Glyn Owen by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He explains that the talents represent the measure of grace and revelation of Jesus Christ given |
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Coming in Judgment - Paris Reidhead by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He explains that the talents represent the measure of grace and revelation of Jesus Christ given |
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Thoughts for the Quiet Hour - June 10 by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of being diligent and faithful in our service to God, as illustrated in the parable of the talents. He reminds us that God evaluates us not sol |
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Because Thou Obeyest Not the Voice by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the consequences of Saul's disobedience to God's voice, illustrating how unforgiven sin can haunt an individual, particularly in moments of crisis. He reflect |
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(Australia) Offended in Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has everything under control. The congregation is encouraged to rejoice and sing in the presence of the Lord. The preacher mentions |
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(The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sent |