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Up until this point in Proverbs, we have studied the difference between the foolishness of men and the wisdom of God. Here in chapter 10, the reader is introduced to the Proverbs of Solomon. The first 9 chapters established a foundation that Solomon will now build on starting in Proverbs 10. We should read the following chapter remembering what he wants us to know – namely, that man is foolish and God is wise.
This chapter covers many topics with much of it referring back to Moses’ law of morality. One particular theme that caught my attention was in verse 26.
“Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so the slacker is to the one who sends him on an errand.”
Proverbs 10:26 HCSB
Many of us have sat around a campfire and experienced firsthand the stinging and burning that occurs when the wind changes direction and smoke fills your eyes. It’s a terrible feeling. I’m assuming that the vinegar statement is referring to cavities or infections of the mouth. Again, not a good feeling.
The critical part of this statement for me is “to those who send him.” For believers today, we have been sent by Jesus Christ. He sends us into the world with a message that both offends and saves humanity. It is a message of hope and love but also surrender and change. If the gravity of Salvation has not sunk deep within our souls, we will not take time to share the Good News. The laziness of man produces pain for the One who saved us.
I find it ironic that Jesus had to specifically command us to go and make disciples. Many people will argue for the fact of doing it because it’s a command. “You must obey the command,” they say. When you think about that, it’s a little bit ridiculous. For someone who has been transformed by the Gospel, telling others about it seems like a pretty natural next step. I think this is exactly why we see such a scathing analogy for those who are lazy about it.