There are two, very funny pictures with one application here that we can all learn from. Proverbs 10:26 has something we all can relate to, possibly.

The first point draws upon vinegar. Notice what this vinegar is touching? The teeth. The picture is someone who drinks vinegar! Someone reading this may be thinking, "Who would do something like that? That is disgusting!" Agree. It is. But for some, there is a necessity to learn by doing. In this case, I do know someone who had to just try. A family member, one time, was asking a lot of questions about vinegar and how it tasted. Upon instructing him that it didn't taste good at all, the insistency of asking to taste it finally got to the end. I agreed, and he poured himself a small sip of that smelly liquid. Picked it up. Looked and smelled it for about two seconds. Then downed it.

The result is as expected!

There was much gagging, water drinking, choking, coughing, and of course, smiles all around from everyone else. Needless to say, there has not been any other requests for trying a sip. If you have never drank vinegar, may I offer the same advice? Just no.

Then the second part. One I am more familiar with, the smoke in the eye. As one camper I was with said, "I have a super power. I can direct the campfire smoke right to my face!" It seems at times we all have that same power. Picture, if you will, a beautiful scene. A clear meadow, trees surrounding it. A small path that leads down to the river or lake. Quiet. Peaceful. As the sun starts to set, and the hunger starts to grow, the wood is stacked, and the kindling is laid out by the campsite. No to very little wind. The birds are singing their last refrains before going to sleep, the nocternal life is starting to wake up. The match is struck and the flame put to starter. As the fire grows, the wood is put on, and then it happens.

Sitting off to the side, the smoke, rising from the fire, finds the none existent breeze, and where does it go?

You guessed it.

The eyes start burning, the coughing starts, and so the shift begins. Move to the 6 o'clock position. That non existent breeze pushes the wind that way. Then to the 12 o'clock, and the smoke follows. What begins is the ring around the campfire game. Of course the wind is not blowing.

This is the time proven game of all campfires it seems. Having more than one camper is great because someone else may have the ability to draw the smoke better, so there is some break!

Where does the writer want to bring us as reader? Picture all of your reactions to what was just read. Now apply that to the third part. This is how a lazy man is viewed to those who send them. To send them has the idea of sending a messenger, or an envoy from a leader. The painful reality is this individual who is lazy, when sent by someone on a mission, if they are lazy, the two examples is how it affects the sender. It is not good.

If anyone is inclined toward laziness, please understand what this means. When we look at the Hebrew word for lazy, it is used 14 times, only in Proverbs. In all places, it is NEVER positive. Proverbs 6:6, the call is to learn from the ants. Proverbs 6:9, a call to wake up. Proverbs 13:4, the lazy has nothing of what they want. Proverbs 15:19, the way the lazy man goes is nothing but pain. Proverbs 19:24, the lazy man is so lazy they will not even work to eat. Proverbs 20:4, the lazy man will find any reason to not work, but then expect others to help. Proverbs 21:25, the desire (Proverbs 13:4) of this lazy man will eat them alive from the inside. Proverbs 22:13 uses any reason to not go out and do anything. Proverbs 24:30, the property and possessions of the lazy are in disarray and useless. Proverbs 26:13 is the same as Proverbs 22:13. Proverbs 26:14 shows the lazy man is like a door that just rolls around in bed. Proverbs 26:15, the same as Proverbs 19:24. Finally, Proverbs 26:16, the lazy man is wise for sure. Unfortunately he is only wise in his own mind and even seven real wise men cannot talk with him.

Dear reader, if you are inclined to this lifestyle of laziness, is this really what you want to be and be known for? Yes, there is a time for rest, but that is not what is in focus. If you are reading and you are looking for someone to use for something special, be careful of who you chose. If you chose one who is lazy, you might as well drink vinegar while allowing the campfire smoke blow in your eyes.

So, those who are lazy, it is hard, but start learning to have a good work ethic. The Puritan Work Ethic should be the beginning stage for you. If you need help, worker, please be careful of who you chose. Choose wisely so you do not get vinegar and smoke where you don't want it.