Proverbs 26:7
Proverbs 26:7 in Multiple Translations
Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
The legs of the lame hang loose; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
The legs of one who has no power of walking are hanging loose; so is a wise saying in the mouth of the foolish.
A proverb spoken by someone stupid is as useless as a lame person's legs.
As they that lift vp the legs of the lame, so is a parable in a fooles mouth.
Weak have been the two legs of the lame, And a parable in the mouth of fools.
Like the legs of the lame that hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As a lame man hath fair legs in vain: so a parable is unseemly in the mouth of fools.
A lame man cannot use his legs, and similarly [SIM] it is useless for a foolish person to speak [MTY] ◄proverbs/wise sayings►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:7
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 26:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דַּלְי֣וּ
שֹׁ֭קַיִם
מִ/פִּסֵּ֑חַ
וּ֝/מָשָׁ֗ל
בְּ/פִ֣י
כְסִילִֽים
דַּלְי֣וּ
dâlal
H1809
to languish
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שֹׁ֭קַיִם
shôwq
H7785
leg
N-fd
מִ/פִּסֵּ֑חַ
piççêach
H6455
lame
Prep | Adj
וּ֝/מָשָׁ֗ל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
Conj | N-ms
בְּ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
כְסִילִֽים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:7
דַּלְי֣וּ
dâlal
H1809
"to languish"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To languish means to feel weak or oppressed. It can describe something that is hanging low or being brought low. The word is used to convey a sense of distress or weakness.
Definition: 1) to hang, languish, hang down, be low 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hang low 1a2) to be low 1a3) of distress (fig.) 1a4) to languish, look weakly (of eyes) 1b) (Niphal) to be brought low, be laid low
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bring low, dry up, be emptied, be not equal, fail, be impoverished, be made thin. See also: Judges 6:6; Psalms 142:7; Psalms 79:8.
שֹׁ֭קַיִם
shôwq
H7785
"leg"
N-fd
In the Bible, this word describes the leg or thigh of a person or animal, often in reference to the lower leg or calf. It is sometimes translated as 'hip', 'leg', 'shoulder', or 'thigh'.
Definition: 1) leg, thigh 1a) of man; specifically the lower leg (calf) as opposed to the thigh 1b) of sacrificial animal; specifically the thigh, upper leg, hind leg, as the portion eaten Aramaic equivalent: shaq (שָׁק "leg" H8243)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: hip, leg, shoulder, thigh. See also: Exodus 29:22; Leviticus 10:15; Psalms 147:10.
מִ/פִּסֵּ֑חַ
piççêach
H6455
"lame"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means lame or crippled, describing someone with a physical disability. It is used to describe people who are unable to walk or move normally. This word appears in various passages, including stories of healing and restoration.
Definition: lame
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: lame. See also: Leviticus 21:18; Proverbs 26:7; Isaiah 33:23.
וּ֝/מָשָׁ֗ל
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
Conj | N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
בְּ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
כְסִילִֽים
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 26:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:7
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
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. 9Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:9 | Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. |
| 2 | Psalms 64:8 | They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:7 | Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler! |
| 4 | Psalms 50:16–21 | To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips? For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you. When you see a thief, you befriend him, and throw in your lot with adulterers. You unleash your mouth for evil and unharness your tongue for deceit. You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. |
| 5 | Matthew 7:4–5 | How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. |
| 6 | Luke 4:23 | Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to Me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in Your hometown what we have heard that You did in Capernaum.’” |
Proverbs 26:7 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 26:7, is saying that when a foolish person tries to use wise sayings or proverbs, it's like trying to walk on a lame leg - it just doesn't work. The words might sound good, but they lack the power and understanding to truly be effective, as seen in the contrast between the wise and the foolish in Proverbs 10:31. This is why it's so important to not just use wise words, but to also have a heart that is truly seeking to understand and apply God's wisdom, as encouraged in Psalms 119:34 and James 1:5. By seeking God's wisdom and understanding, we can use our words to build others up and glorify God, rather than just sounding foolish or empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a proverb to be 'in the mouth of a fool'?
This phrase suggests that when a foolish person tries to use wise sayings or proverbs, they do so in a way that is empty or lacking in true understanding, much like the way a lame person's legs hang limp and are unable to function properly, as described in Proverbs 26:7, and also seen in the way a fool might misapply the wisdom of Proverbs 10:32.
How does this verse relate to the idea of giving honor to a fool, as mentioned in the next verse?
Both Proverbs 26:7 and Proverbs 26:8 warn against the futility of trying to impart wisdom or honor to someone who is not capable of truly receiving or using it, as a fool's actions and words are often self-destructive, like cutting off one's own feet, as mentioned in Proverbs 26:6.
What is the difference between a wise person using a proverb and a fool using the same proverb?
According to Proverbs 26:7, when a wise person uses a proverb, it is like a skillful and effective tool, but when a fool uses the same proverb, it is like trying to use a lame leg - it lacks power and effectiveness, and may even cause harm, as seen in the contrast between the wise and the foolish in Proverbs 10:31 and Proverbs 15:2.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives and conversations?
We can apply Proverbs 26:7 by being mindful of the wisdom and understanding behind our words, and being careful not to use wise sayings in a way that is empty or hypocritical, but instead seeking to use our words to build others up and glorify God, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen or experienced the truth of Proverbs 26:7 in my own life or in the lives of others?
- How can I ensure that my own words and actions are guided by true wisdom and understanding, rather than just empty phrases or foolishness?
- What are some proverbs or wise sayings that I have heard or used, and how can I apply them in a way that is truly wise and effective?
- How can I discern when someone is using wise words in a foolish way, and how should I respond in those situations?
- What role does humility play in using wise words and proverbs effectively, and how can I cultivate humility in my own life and conversations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:7
The legs of the lame are not equal,.... Or as "the lifting up the legs by one that is lame" (m), to dance to a pipe or violin, is very unseemly, and does but the more expose his infirmity, and can
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:7
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
The legs of the lame are not equal, Heb. As (which note of similitude is plainly understood from the particle so in the following clause) the legs of the lame are lifted up, to wit, in going, or rather in dancing, which is done with great inequality and uncomeliness. So is a parable in the mouth of fools; no less absurd and indecent are wise and pious speeches from a foolish and ungodly man, whose actions grossly contradict them, whereby he makes them contemptible, and himself ridiculous.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
Proverbs 26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.Ver. 7. The legs of the lame are not equal.] Locum habet proverbium cum is qui male vivit, bene loquitur, saith an interpreter. This proverb hits such as speak well, but live otherwise. Uniformity and ubiquity of obedience are sure signs of sincerity; but as [an] unequal pulse argues a distempered body, so doth uneven walking show a diseased soul. A wise man’ s life is all of one colour, like itself; and godliness runs through it, as the woof runs through the warp. But if all the parts of the line of thy life be not straight before God, it is a crooked life. If thy tongue speak by the talent, but thine hands scarce work by the ounce, thou shalt pass for a Pharisee. They spake like angels, lived like devils; had heaven commonly at their tongue ends, but the earth continually at their finger ends. Odi homines ignava opera, philosopha sententia, said the heathen; that is, I hate such hypocrites as have mouths full of holiness, hearts full of hollowness. A certain stranger coming on embassy to the senate of Rome, and colouring his hoary hair and pale cheeks with vermilion hue, a grave senator espying the deceit, stood up and said, ‘ What sincerity are we to expect at this man’ s hand, whose locks, and looks, and lips do lie?’ Rodulph.
Bain.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
(7) The legs of the lame are not equal.—Better, perhaps. The legs hang down from a lame man, and so is a parable (useless) in the mouth of fools; they can make no more use of it for the guidance of themselves or others, than can a lame man use his legs. (Comp. Luke 8:10.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:7
7. are not equal] Rather, hang loose, R.V. The strongest members of the body and the weightiest aphorisms of wisdom are alike useless appendages to one who lacks the power to turn them to account.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:7
Or, Take away the legs of the lame man, and the parable that is in the mouth of fools: both are alike useless to their possessors.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:7
7. Legs… not equal — The root of γμιε, (dalyu,) translated not equal, is uncertain. Hence we have the following: 1. As the legs of the lame are weak, so a proverb, etc. 2.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hell to Pay by Steve Hill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments. He warns that God will judge every secret thing, whether good or evil, at the end |
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The Last Day Return to Discernment - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement among believers. He quotes from Psalm 50:22, warning those who forget God that they will face conseque |
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God Is a Holy God by Brian Long | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to regain a proper understanding of the glory, majesty, and holiness of God. They highlight the severity of sin in the |
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Quiet Time by Harold Armstrong | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of how his business has grown tremendously over the years, attributing it to his faith and prayer. He emphasizes that thei |
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Therefore, When Anyone Receives the Name of Abbess by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of leading by example as a spiritual leader, teaching disciples through both words and actions. He highlights the need for consiste |
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New Years' Address, January 1858 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of self-examination and adherence to sound doctrine in the service of God. He emphasizes the need for ministers and writer |
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Immense Is the Reward by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome speaks about the blessed and wonderful gifts of God, such as life in immortality, righteousness, truth, faith, and self-control, which are within our understanding |