Proverbs 10:26

26 As a sour grape is hurtful to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so iniquity hurts those that practise it.

Proverbs 10:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:26

As vinegar to the teeth
Which, with its coldness and sourness, blunts the teeth, and makes it troublesome to eat: the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it,

``as the sour grape is hurtful to the teeth;''

sets them on edge; and as smoke to the eye;
dims the sight, causes the eye to water, and is very pernicious and vexatious: so [is] the sluggard to them that send him:
that is, the slothful messenger, as the Targum explains it; who, being sent on an errand, is dilatory, does not make haste to bring back the answer; which is very vexatious to those that send him, raises their passions, makes them fretful and very angry, be it on what account it will: so slothful and unprofitable servants, to whom talents are given for usefulness, which they hide or use not, are very provoking to Christ, and whom he will order into outer darkness; those who have gifts for sacred service ought not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, ( Matthew 25:26 Matthew 25:29 ) ( Romans 12:6-11 ) .

Proverbs 10:26 In-Context

24 The ungodly is engulphed in destruction; but the desire of the righteous is acceptable.

25 When the storm passes by, the ungodly vanishes away; but the righteous turns aside and escapes for ever.

26 As a sour grape is hurtful to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so iniquity hurts those that practise it.

27 The fear of the Lord adds of days: but the years of the ungodly shall be shortened.

28 Joy rests long with the righteous: but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.