Proverbs 10:26 Meaning and Explanation
“As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A lazy person irritates and troubles those who depend on him.
The Context of Proverbs 10:26
The proverb uses physical irritations as metaphors for the troublesome effect of laziness on others.
What Does Proverbs 10:26 Mean?
A sluggard is compared to vinegar on the teeth—unpleasant, irritating, even painful to experience. The analogy captures the sharp discomfort and negative sensation caused by laziness.
The sluggard is also like smoke to the eyes—annoying, blinding, and distressing to anyone trying to work with him. Those who send a sluggard on a task experience frustration and disappointment rather than accomplishment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 10:26
What does Proverbs 10:26 mean?
A lazy person irritates and troubles those who depend on him.
What is the context of Proverbs 10:26?
The proverb uses physical irritations as metaphors for the troublesome effect of laziness on others.