Proverbs 26:6
Proverbs 26:6 in Multiple Translations
Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage.
He who sends news by the hand of a foolish man is cutting off his feet and drinking in damage.
Trusting someone stupid to deliver a message is like cutting off your feet or drinking poison.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a foole, is as he that cutteth off the feete, and drinketh iniquitie.
He is cutting off feet, he is drinking injury, Who is sending things by the hand of a fool.
One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
He that sendeth words by a foolish messenger, is lame of feet and drinketh iniquity.
Anyone who asks a foolish person to take a message to someone is himself doing something as foolish as cutting off his own feet or drinking poison.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 26:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְקַצֶּ֣ה
רַ֭גְלַיִם
חָמָ֣ס
שֹׁתֶ֑ה
שֹׁלֵ֖חַ
דְּבָרִ֣ים
בְּ/יַד
כְּסִֽיל
מְקַצֶּ֣ה
qâtsâh
H7096
to cut off
V-Piel
רַ֭גְלַיִם
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd
חָמָ֣ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
שֹׁתֶ֑ה
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal
שֹׁלֵ֖חַ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal
דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
כְּסִֽיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:6
מְקַצֶּ֣ה
qâtsâh
H7096
"to cut off"
V-Piel
In the book of Deuteronomy, this word means to cut off or destroy something. It can also mean to scrape or trim something. This word is used to describe God's judgment on disobedience.
Definition: 1) to cut off 1a) (Qal) to cut off 1b) (Piel) to cut off 1c) (Hiphil) to scrape, scrape off
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cut off, cut short, scrape (off). See also: Leviticus 14:41; 2 Kings 10:32; Proverbs 26:6.
רַ֭גְלַיִם
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
חָמָ֣ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
שֹׁתֶ֑ה
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
שֹׁלֵ֖חַ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כְּסִֽיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:6
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
6Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.
7Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. 8Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:26 | Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:13 | Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:17 | A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. |
| 4 | Numbers 13:31 | But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” |
Proverbs 26:6 Summary
Proverbs 26:6 teaches us that using a fool to deliver a message is like hurting ourselves, because it can lead to trouble and harm. This means we should be careful about who we trust with important tasks, and instead look for wise and reliable people to help us, just like the Bible advises in Proverbs 11:14. By being mindful of this, we can avoid problems and make better decisions, as we are also encouraged to do in Proverbs 10:14. Remember, seeking wisdom from God and His Word, as in Proverbs 2:6, can help guide us in our choices and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to send a message by the hand of a fool?
According to Proverbs 26:6, sending a message by the hand of a fool is like harming oneself, as it can lead to trouble and violence, much like the warning in Proverbs 10:14 to avoid foolish talk.
Why is it compared to cutting off one's own feet?
The comparison to cutting off one's own feet in Proverbs 26:6 emphasizes the self-destructive nature of using a fool to deliver a message, as it can lead to loss and hinderance, similar to the consequences of following foolish advice in Proverbs 12:26.
How does this relate to our everyday lives?
In our daily lives, Proverbs 26:6 cautions us to be mindful of who we trust with important tasks or messages, as using someone unreliable or foolish can lead to negative consequences, as also warned in Proverbs 22:24-25 about the dangers of associating with angry or hot-tempered people.
What is the alternative to sending a message by the hand of a fool?
Instead of relying on a fool, we should seek wise and trustworthy individuals to carry out important tasks, as advised in Proverbs 11:14, which emphasizes the importance of having multiple counselors for safety and success.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I have relied on untrustworthy individuals, and what were the consequences?
- How can I discern whether someone is wise and trustworthy enough to carry out an important task?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of Proverbs 26:6 to my relationships and decision-making processes?
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and guidance from God and His Word to avoid the pitfalls of foolishness, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:6
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool,.... Who knows not how to deliver it in a proper manner, and is incapable of taking the answer, and reporting it as he should; or unfaithful in it, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:6
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool, he that employeth a fool upon any important errand or business which is too hard for him, cutteth off the feet, to wit, of his messenger; he bids one go that wants legs; he sends one who wants that discretion, which is as necessary for that employment as legs are for going. Drinketh damage; he bringeth upon himself abundance of loss and mischief, not only spoiling that business about which he sends him, but making himself contemptible to the person to whom he sends him, and to others with him, as if he had not common prudence to choose a fit messenger, and giving occasion, by the folly of his messenger, to further misunderstandings, and jealousies, and inconveniences. For the phrase, we may observe that drinking in Scripture frequently notes the plentiful doing or receiving of any thing, as they who multiply sins are said to drink iniquity like water, 34:7; and they who are greatly afflicted are commonly said to drink the cup.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
Proverbs 26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, [and] drinketh damage.Ver. 6. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool.] The worth of a faithful messenger he had set forth; here, the discommodity of a foolish one - such as were the spies Moses sent. So when the prophet proves a fool, and the "spiritual man is mad," things go on as heavily as if feet were wanting to a traveller, or as if a messenger had lost his legs.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
(6) Cutteth off the feet.—He wants his business done, but if he sends a fool to do it, he might as well cut off his messenger’s legs, for the business will not be transacted; nay, worse than this, he will “drink damage,” i.e., suffer positive mischief from the blundering of his emissary.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
Verse 6. Cutteth off the feet] Sending by such a person is utterly useless. My old MS. Bible translates well: Halt in feet and drinking wickednesse that sendith wordis bi a foole messager. Nothing but lameness in himself can vindicate his sending it by such hands; and, after all, the expedient will be worse than the total omission, for he is likely to drink wickedness, i.e., the mischief occasioned by the fool's misconduct. Coverdale nearly hits the sense as usual: "He is lame of his fete, yee dronken is he in vanite, that committeth eny thinge to a foole."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:6
6. the feet] Rather his own feet, R.V. By choosing such a messenger he robs himself by his own act of the means of attaining his end, and suffers accordingly.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:6
Cutteth off the feet - Mutilates him, spoils the work which the messenger ought to fulfill. Drinketh damage - i. e., “has to drink full draughts of shame and loss” (compare Job 15:16).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:6
6. Cutteth off the feet — That is, of himself, as explained by the following clause. Drinketh damage — A man that employs a fool in his business cripples himself. Comp. Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 25:13.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.10:12 - 11:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that riches will not help anyone on judgment day, only righteousness will matter. It is not about Bible knowledge or religious activities, bu |
|
Faithfulness by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highli |
|
The Glory of God - Part 2 by David Platt | This sermon delves into the story of the Israelites standing on the brink of the promised land, sending spies who brought back a negative report, leading to fear, rebellion, and a |
|
The Necessity of the Bible for Salvation by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having hope in the Gospel. He describes how the early Christians faced persecution and even death with boldness and joy be |
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The Ministry of Encouragement by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital role of encouragement in the Christian life, contrasting it with the detrimental effects of discouragement. He critiques the notion of a somber, si |