Proverbs 26:7 kjv

The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Proverbs 26:7 nkjv

Like the legs of the lame that hang limp Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Proverbs 26:7 niv

Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Proverbs 26:7 esv

Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Proverbs 26:7 nlt

A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

Proverbs 26 verses

Proverbs 26 7 Meaning

Proverbs 26:7 describes the incongruity and ineffectiveness of a proverb or wise saying in the mouth of a fool. It likens this situation to a lame person's legs, which are present but cannot function as intended, thus rendering movement and stability impossible. Similarly, a fool may utter wise words, but lacking understanding, discernment, and the ability to apply wisdom, their words are rendered useless or even misleading. The verse highlights that true wisdom is not merely the recitation of truths, but their embodiment and proper application.

Proverbs 26 7 Context

Proverbs chapter 26 is largely a collection of wise sayings focusing on fools, sluggards, and busybodies. The immediate context, verses 1-12, specifically addresses the folly of giving honor or words to a fool. Verse 7, along with verse 9 ("Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool"), emphasizes the idea that fools distort or render useless valuable wisdom due to their inherent nature. Historically, proverbs were succinct, practical expressions of truth intended to guide daily life and instill moral conduct within Israelite society. This verse warns against the superficial adoption of wisdom by those fundamentally lacking discernment. It stands as a caution about both the speaker (the fool) and the inherent value of the wise saying, which is undermined by its improper use.

Proverbs 26 7 Word analysis

• The legs of the lame: Hebrew, כְּפַשֵּׁ֨י לוּחַ (kəp̄aššê lūaḥ). "Kefa-shay" from pisha, referring to a lame or crippled person's feet/legs. "Luach" often means tablet/board, but here idiomatically refers to a lame person's useless or loose-hanging legs. It pictures an inherent, irreversible inability to function as intended, emphasizing that the physical apparatus (legs) is present, but lacks capability.

• hang limp: Hebrew, מִדַּלְדְּלִ֥וּ (middalədəlîw). From the root dalal, meaning "to hang loose," "dangle," or "be slack/feeble." This verb vividly portrays the lack of control, strength, and purpose in the legs, making them a hindrance rather than an aid. They are useless for movement and support.

• so is a proverb: Hebrew, וְֽמָשָׁ֗ל (wəmāšāl). "Masal" refers to a proverb, parable, similitude, or wise saying. It denotes a condensed truth, intended to instruct or guide. The analogy indicates a direct comparison of quality and outcome.

• in the mouth of: Hebrew, בְּפִ֣י (bəp̄î). Literally "in the mouth of." This emphasizes the superficiality; the proverb is spoken outwardly, but not grasped internally or practically applied. It highlights vocalization without internalization.

• a fool: Hebrew, כְסִילִֽים (kəssîlîm). Plural of "kesil." In Proverbs, a "kesil" (fool) is not merely unintelligent but morally obtuse, one who despises wisdom, resists instruction, and typically has a hardened heart toward God and truth. They are characterized by a settled perversity and spiritual insensitivity.

• "The legs of the lame hang limp": This phrase paints a picture of severe disability. The legs are there, but entirely dysfunctional for their purpose of walking or supporting. They are not merely weak but utterly useless, a mere appendage.

• "so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool": This direct comparison highlights the uselessness of wisdom when uttered by someone devoid of the character to apply it. The words are right, but the vessel (the fool) is wrong. It speaks to a profound disconnect between the outer utterance and inner understanding or capacity. The proverb, which should guide and give life, becomes powerless, failing to impact the fool or others listening because the fool himself embodies folly.

Proverbs 26 7 Bonus section

• The parallel with "a proverb in the mouth of fools" is significant; it underscores that true wisdom resides not just in words but in character, understanding, and righteous action.
• The comparison suggests a lack of alignment or "fit" between the profound nature of a proverb and the perverse nature of a fool. They simply do not go together meaningfully.
• The verse warns against mistaking outward utterance for inner conviction. One can quote scripture or wise sayings all day, but if the heart is not right, these words hold no real power for the speaker's own transformation or for edifying others.
• This Proverb implicitly teaches discernment in leadership and mentorship; one should not assume that mere recitation of truth indicates true wisdom or competence to guide.

Proverbs 26 7 Commentary

Proverbs 26:7 vividly illustrates the principle that truth without application, or wisdom held by one who cannot genuinely grasp or enact it, is ultimately futile. Just as paralyzed legs are inert despite being limbs, so too is a wise saying lifeless and ineffectual when spoken by a fool. A fool (a kesil), by definition, is someone who resists wisdom, despises instruction, and lacks moral discernment, not merely intellectual capacity.

When such a person speaks a proverb, they might even utter technically correct words, but their inner disposition prevents them from truly understanding its meaning, embodying its truth, or applying its principles in life. The words may be recited but are hollow; they do not transform the fool's conduct, nor do they carry authority or benefit the listener as true wisdom would. Instead, they often expose the fool's lack of true comprehension or even their hypocrisy. The wisdom is degraded by the character of the speaker, much like pure water is tainted by a polluted vessel. This proverb calls us not only to value wise words but more importantly, to cultivate the heart of wisdom.