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- Oct 26, 2007
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As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So [is] the lazy [man] to those who send him. Proverbs 10:26 NKJV
Vinegar has been used medicinally for centuries. Hippocrates—who lived around 420 BC and for whom the Hippocratic Oath is named—used vinegar to treat wounds. Although vinegar does have some antimicrobial properties, modern medicine advises against this practice, as there are far more effective ways to kill germs and treat wounds.
Vinegar was also formerly used to whiten teeth. It’s true, teeth can appear whiter after using a vinegar mouthwash, but since vinegar is so acidic, it actually eats away at the enamel of the teeth. This leaves teeth vulnerable to cavities and infections.
Vinegar’s effect on teeth makes it an apt comparison to a lazy person’s effect on an organization or business. Employers who hire a lazy man may see some immediate improvement in moral, but when work starts piling up, the lazy man’s presence will weaken the integrity of the organization like a cavity, allowing infections to grow.
At the proper time, levity in an organization is a great thing—just like vinegar can be a great thing when properly used. Good workers work hard according to their deadlines, and then they have the freedom to enjoy some socialization.
If you are tempted toward laziness, remember the One you are ultimately working for: the Lord (see Colossians 3:23-24).
Prayer: Lord, may I know when to work hard and when to take it easy.
Vinegar has been used medicinally for centuries. Hippocrates—who lived around 420 BC and for whom the Hippocratic Oath is named—used vinegar to treat wounds. Although vinegar does have some antimicrobial properties, modern medicine advises against this practice, as there are far more effective ways to kill germs and treat wounds.
Vinegar was also formerly used to whiten teeth. It’s true, teeth can appear whiter after using a vinegar mouthwash, but since vinegar is so acidic, it actually eats away at the enamel of the teeth. This leaves teeth vulnerable to cavities and infections.
Vinegar’s effect on teeth makes it an apt comparison to a lazy person’s effect on an organization or business. Employers who hire a lazy man may see some immediate improvement in moral, but when work starts piling up, the lazy man’s presence will weaken the integrity of the organization like a cavity, allowing infections to grow.
At the proper time, levity in an organization is a great thing—just like vinegar can be a great thing when properly used. Good workers work hard according to their deadlines, and then they have the freedom to enjoy some socialization.
If you are tempted toward laziness, remember the One you are ultimately working for: the Lord (see Colossians 3:23-24).
Prayer: Lord, may I know when to work hard and when to take it easy.
