Proverbs 26:9
Proverbs 26:9 in Multiple Translations
Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Like a thorn which goes up into the hand of a man overcome by drink, so is a wise saying in the mouth of a foolish man.
A proverb spoken by someone stupid is as ridiculous as a thorn bush waved around by a drunk.
As a thorne standing vp in the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fooles.
A thorn hath gone up into the hand of a drunkard, And a parable in the mouth of fools.
Like a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
As if a thorn should grow in the hand of a drunkard: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
If a drunk person waves some thorns/brambles with his hand, he is not able to accomplish anything useful by doing that (OR, he does not feel it when a thorn sticks in his hand); similarly, if foolish people speak [MTY] proverbs, they do not help anyone who hears them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:9
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 26:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ח֭וֹחַ
עָלָ֣ה
בְ/יַד
שִׁכּ֑וֹר
וּ֝/מָשָׁ֗ל
בְּ/פִ֣י
כְסִילִֽים
ח֭וֹחַ
chôwach
H2336
thistle
N-ms
עָלָ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
שִׁכּ֑וֹר
shikkôwr
H7910
drunken
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 26:9
ח֭וֹחַ
chôwach
H2336
"thistle"
N-ms
A thistle is a type of thorny plant, often found in the wilderness. In the Bible, it symbolizes something unwanted or troublesome, and is sometimes used to describe a difficult or challenging situation.
Definition: 1) thorn, brier, bramble, thornbush, thicket 2) hook, ring, fetter Also means: cha.vach (חָוָח "thicket" H2337)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bramble, thistle, thorn. See also: 2 Kings 14:9; Job 40:26; Proverbs 26:9.
עָלָ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בְ/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.
שִׁכּ֑וֹר
shikkôwr
H7910
"drunken"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes being drunk, either as a one-time event or a habitual behavior. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who are intoxicated. The KJV translates it as 'drunk' or 'drunkard'.
Definition: 1) drunken 1a) drunken 1b) drunkard, drunken one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: drunk(-ard, -en, -en man). See also: 1 Samuel 1:13; Proverbs 26:9; Psalms 107:27.
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 26:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
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.
10Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby. 11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:35 | “They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?” |
Proverbs 26:9 Summary
This verse is saying that when a foolish person tries to share wisdom, it's like a drunk person trying to handle a sharp thorn - it's going to end badly. The fool doesn't understand the wisdom they're trying to share, and they might end up hurting themselves or others, as seen in Proverbs 26:7-11. We should be careful about who we listen to and make sure we're seeking advice from people who are wise and know what they're talking about, as advised in Proverbs 11:14. By being mindful of this, we can avoid the harm that can come from foolish advice and instead seek wisdom from those who are truly wise, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by comparing a proverb in the mouth of a fool to a thorn in the hand of a drunkard?
This verse highlights the danger and harm that can come from a fool speaking wisdom, as they are likely to misapply or distort it, much like a drunkard might unknowingly hurt themselves with a thorn, as seen in Proverbs 26:7 where a proverb in the mouth of a fool is also compared to lame legs hanging limp.
Why is it so harmful for a fool to speak wisdom?
When a fool speaks wisdom, they can give false or misguided advice, leading others astray, as warned in Proverbs 10:14, and this can have serious consequences, much like the harm caused by an archer who wounds at random, as mentioned in Proverbs 26:10.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We should be mindful of the company we keep and the advice we take, making sure to seek wisdom from those who are wise and godly, as advised in Proverbs 11:14, and to be careful not to be like the fool who repeats their folly, as described in Proverbs 26:11.
What is the significance of the thorn in the hand of a drunkard?
The thorn in the hand of a drunkard represents the potential for harm or injury when something sharp or dangerous is in the hands of someone who is not in control of themselves, much like the fool who speaks wisdom without understanding, as seen in Proverbs 26:7-9, and this serves as a warning to be cautious of those who might misuse or misapply wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be like a fool, speaking wisdom without truly understanding it, and how can I seek humility and wisdom from God?
- How can I discern whether someone is speaking wisdom from a place of foolishness or from a place of true understanding, and what are some biblical principles that can guide me in this discernment?
- What are some potential consequences of taking advice from a fool, and how can I protect myself from being misled, as warned in Proverbs 12:26?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of this verse to my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I be a source of wisdom and guidance for those around me, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:30?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:9
[As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard,.... And he perceives it not; or being in his hand he makes an ill use of it, and hurts himself and others with it; so [is] a parable in the mouth of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:9
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
As a thorn is in a drunkard’ s hand, which he cannot hold and manage cautiously, but employeth to his own and others’ hurt, so is a parable in the mouth of fools; as improper and unprofitable, and, by accident, hurtful to himself and others. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
Proverbs 26:9 [As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.Ver. 9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand, &c.] He handleth it hard, as if it were another kind of wood, and it runs into his hand. So do profane persons pervert and pollute the Holy Scriptures, to their own and other men’ s destruction. By a parable here the Hebrews understand either these parables of Solomon or the whole book of God. At this day no people under heaven do so abuse Scripture as the Jews do. For commending, in their familiar epistles, some letter they have received, they say, Eloquia Domini, eloquia pura, - The words of my Lord are pure words. When they flatter their friends, Pateat, they say, accessus ad aditum sanctitatis tuae: Let me have access to the sanctuary of thy holiness. When they would testify themselves thankful, Nomini tuo psallam, - I will sing praise to thy name. When they complain, friends forsake them, "Lord," say they, "thou goest not forth with our armies." When they invite their friends to a banquet or a wedding, "In thee have I trusted; let me not be put to confusion." Lo, thus do these witless, wicked wretches abuse God’ s parables, and take his name in vain. Whereas the very heathen could say, Non loquendum de Deo sine lumine, - God is not to be talked of lightly, loosely, disrespectfully.
"Thou shalt fear that glorious and fearful name, Jehovah thy God," saith Moses, their own lawgiver. Weemse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
(9) As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard.—Rather, (As) a thornbush (which) comes into the hand of a drunkard, so (is) a parable (which comes) into the mouth of fools. They know not how to use it, and only do themselves and others harm by it. (Comp. 2 Peter 3:16.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:9
9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand] i.e. as a thorn or thornbush taken up by a drunkard wounds himself. This proverb carries the thought of Pro 26:7 a step further. A parable, or proverb, in the mouth of fools is not only useless but injurious. They take up a sharp, pointed saying, and instead of turning it to account, only injure themselves with it, as a drunkard pierces his own hand with the thorn which he grasps.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:9
Better: “As a thorn which is lifted up in the hand of the drunkard” etc. As such a weapon so used may do mischief to the man himself or to others, so may the sharp, keen-edged proverb when used by one who does not understand it.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:9
9. As a thorn goeth up (or is taken up) into the hand of a drunkard — One drunk. So is a parable (or proverb) in the mouth of fools — They will hurt themselves or others with it. A sarcasm.