It's vinegar in the mouth, smoke in the eyes.

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Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal. ... Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth. Make hay while the sun shines—that's smart; go fishing during harvest—that's stupid. ... A lazy employee will give you nothing but trouble; it's vinegar in the mouth, smoke in the eyes. -Proverbs 10:2,4-5,26 MSG

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Often when we think about dishonesty and the term "Ill-gotten gain" we think about thieves and those who take things that are not theirs. That is a comfortable definition for many of us who do not do such things. Yet I wonder how many might expand the definition to include sloth and laziness? It is difficult to know where to draw the line between stealing office supplies and taking two hour lunch breaks. Each seems to be representative of "Ill-gotten gain".

When I read about someone going fishing during harvest I think of a hired hand who does not understand what is important. I wonder if such a person might offer the excuse that spending time with his family fishing is more important than helping his employer harvest the crops? Not to say that life is all about work and careers - just wondering how many employers can really depend on us when it counts and how many of us leave a bad taste in their mouth.

Help us to be known for our work ethic Lord. Speak to us about doing our work as unto you and not unto man.

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