Proverbs 10:26 Commentary and Bible Study

This proverb is more difficult to fit into the theme, but verses before and after relate to man’s eternal prospects, and so we should try to link this verse to this theme. At face value the proverb is about the difficulties caused by a messenger who does not go about his work conscientiously. He is compared to vinegar on the teeth and smoke in the eyes. These similes need to be explored further and the idea is probably that whoever was responsible for making the wine has omitted some vital stage of the process resulting in an unpleasant shock for the master when he first tastes it, and whoever is responsible for lighting the fire has failed to note which way the wind was blowing so that the house is full of smoke. These two things illustrate the sluggard when he is used to send a message. The sluggard here is the reluctant servant, the lazy servant, yes, but more. He is not just lazy, he is reluctant; he has got divided interests. The master cares greatly about the exact message being delivered, but instead of relating what he was told to relate, the sluggard allows another meaning to be placed on his words by expressing himself badly and he does not notice what he has done, or he fails to deliver the message at all. By doing so he does enormous damage to his master, perhaps making unnecessary enemies for him, or leading others to have false expectations. Solomon however is not interested in mere earthly messengers, but always rises higher. Who are the messengers of God if not his children sent to give the gospel of salvation to this lost world? They are the ones who must be faithful in all their work and not change the message of Scripture. They must do their Lord’s work diligently and not be content with second best. Unless this message is delivered faithfully, eternal consequences will follow. We are a commissioned people, we are people who have a tremendous privilege. We have been saved by the precious blood of Christ, and now we are appointed as ambassadors of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. I am on the master's business, I am appointed by him to please him in my character, in the closeness of my walk. How am I going to do my work? Will it all be done badly, in the wrong spirit, with my mind on other things? If that is the case, then far from pleasing God, we displease Him.