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

To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger
is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day;
he refreshes the life of his masters.

Singing songs to a troubled heart
is like taking off clothing on a cold day
or like pouring vinegar on soda.

The one who sends a message by a fool’s hand
cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

They say, ‘Keep to yourself,
don’t come near me, for I am too holy for you!’
These practices are smoke in My nostrils,
a fire that burns all day long.

“But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered,

Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.

so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

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

Vinegar

As smoke

Bible References

Vinegar

To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger
is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day;
he refreshes the life of his masters.

As smoke

They say, ‘Keep to yourself,
don’t come near me, for I am too holy for you!’
These practices are smoke in My nostrils,
a fire that burns all day long.

So

“But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered,
Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

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