Proverbs 10:26

New American Bible - revised edition

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

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Like the coolness of snow in the heat of the harvest are faithful messengers for those who send them, lifting the spirits of their masters.

Like the removal of clothes on a cold day, or vinegar on soda, is the one who sings to a troubled heart.

Those who send messages by a fool cut off their feet; they drink down violence.

Go to the ant, O sluggard, study her ways and learn wisdom;

Crying out, “Hold back, do not come near me, lest I render you holy!” These things are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all the day.

His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. God’s Promise Immutable.