Like vinegarto the teethand smoketo the eyes,Sois the lazyoneto those who sendhim.
Like the coldof snowin the timeof harvestIs a faithfulmessengerto those who sendhim, For he refreshesthe soulof his masters.
[Like] one who takesoffa garmenton a coldday,[or like] vinegaron soda,Is he who singssongsto a troubledheart.
He cutsoff[his own] feet[and] drinksviolenceWho sendsa messageby the handof a fool.
Goto the ant,O sluggard,Observeher waysand be wise,
"Who say,Keepto yourself, do not comenearme, For I am holierthan you!' Theseare smokein My nostrils,A firethat burnsallthe day.
"But his masteransweredand saidto him, 'You wicked,lazyslave,you knewthat I reapwhereI did not sowand gatherwhereI scatteredno[seed].
not lagging behindin diligence,ferventin spirit,servingthe Lord;
sothat you will not be sluggish,but imitatorsof thosewho throughfaithand patienceinheritthe promises.
