Proverbs 26:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The legs {H7785} of the lame {H6455} are not equal {H1809}: so is a parable {H4912} in the mouth {H6310} of fools {H3684}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The legs of the disabled hang limp and useless; likewise a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Berean Standard Bible

Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

American Standard Version

The legs of the lame hang loose; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:7 presents a striking simile that exposes the inherent incongruity between a fool's character and their attempt to wield wisdom. Just as the physical imbalance of a lame person renders their legs ineffective for stable movement, so too does the moral and intellectual deficiency of a fool render a profound truth or wise saying utterly useless, distorted, or even counterproductive when spoken by them. The verse underscores that the effectiveness and integrity of wisdom are inextricably linked to the character of the one who articulates it, highlighting the futility of profound words from an unprincipled source.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26 is a chapter largely dedicated to illustrating the nature and behavior of "fools" (Hebrew: *kᵉçîyl*) and "sluggards," often through vivid comparisons and sharp contrasts. This particular verse is part of a cluster of proverbs (Proverbs 26:1-12) that specifically address the folly of speaking to or about fools. It immediately follows a proverb comparing honor given to a fool to a stone in a sling (Proverbs 26:8) and precedes another that likens a proverb in a fool's mouth to a thorn entering a drunkard's hand (Proverbs 26:9). Together, these verses emphasize the inherent danger and futility of attempting to entrust wisdom or responsibility to those who lack discernment, integrity, and a teachable spirit. The literary structure uses a series of analogies to paint a comprehensive picture of the fool's inability to handle truth effectively.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom literature, particularly proverbs (`mashal`), served as a primary means of moral and theological instruction, passed down through generations. These pithy sayings were designed to distill complex truths into memorable forms, guiding individuals in righteous living and societal order. The concept of "lame" (Hebrew: *piççêach*) in this context would have been understood as a physical disability, often associated with weakness or inability to perform certain tasks effectively. Culturally, physical wholeness was often a metaphor for spiritual and moral integrity. The "fool" (`kᵉçîyl`) in biblical wisdom is not merely unintelligent but is characterized by a moral stubbornness, a rejection of God's instruction, and an unwillingness to learn from experience or correction. The proverb thus draws on a universally understood physical limitation to illustrate a profound spiritual and intellectual one, resonating with a culture that highly valued wisdom and integrity in speech.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it highlights **The Misapplication of Wisdom**, demonstrating that even profound truths become ineffective or distorted when uttered by someone whose character is antithetical to wisdom. The "parable" (`mashal`) loses its power when spoken by a "fool" (`kᵉçîyl`), much like a tool misused by an unskilled hand. This theme is foundational to understanding the nature of true wisdom, which is not merely intellectual knowledge but a way of life rooted in reverence for God, as articulated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord"). Secondly, the verse underscores **The Inconsistency of the Fool**, revealing a fundamental imbalance between their words and their actions or understanding. A fool might parrot wise sayings, but their life does not embody the truth, creating a jarring dissonance that renders their words hollow. This inconsistency is a recurring motif in Proverbs, emphasizing that genuine wisdom demands integrity of character, not just eloquence of speech. Finally, it powerfully conveys **The Importance of Character in Communication**. The effectiveness of a message is often tied to the credibility and integrity of the messenger. When a fool speaks a wise saying, the message is compromised because the speaker lacks the moral foundation to properly convey its weight or apply its principles, echoing the sentiment that "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" but only when spoken by the wise ([Proverbs 25:11](/proverbs/25-11 "Proverbs 25:11 - A Word Fitly Spoken")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lame (Hebrew, _piççêach'_):** From H6455. This word describes someone physically impaired, specifically unable to walk properly due to an injury or birth defect. In the proverb, it refers to the physical condition of having unequal or unstable legs, which hinders effective movement. Metaphorically, it represents an inherent deficiency or instability that prevents proper function.
* **parable (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** From H4912. This term encompasses a wide range of wisdom sayings, including proverbs, similitudes, allegories, and pithy maxims. It refers to a profound statement, often metaphorical in nature, intended to convey deep truth or insight. It implies a statement that carries weight, wisdom, and often a moral lesson.
* **fools (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From H3684. This word describes a specific type of fool in biblical wisdom literature: one who is morally and spiritually obtuse, resistant to instruction, and whose actions are characterized by stubbornness, arrogance, and a rejection of wisdom. Unlike someone who merely lacks intelligence, a *kᵉçîyl* actively chooses a path contrary to God's ways and wisdom, leading to self-destruction and folly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The legs of the lame are not equal":** This initial clause establishes the physical analogy. It describes a person with a physical disability that causes their legs to be uneven or unstable, making it impossible for them to walk steadily or purposefully. This image immediately evokes a sense of imbalance, inefficiency, and a lack of proper function. The "not equal" (from H1809, _dâlal_) implies a feebleness or slackness, an inability to provide stable support.
* **"so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools":** This clause introduces the simile, drawing a direct comparison between the physical imbalance of the lame and the spiritual/intellectual imbalance of a fool speaking a wise saying. Just as the lame person's legs cannot fulfill their purpose of stable locomotion, a profound truth (`mâshâl`) spoken by a morally deficient and unteachable person (`kᵉçîyl`) loses its power, credibility, and effectiveness. The words become hollow, misunderstood, or even misapplied because the speaker's character and life do not align with the wisdom they profess. The "mouth" (H6310, _peh_) here signifies the utterance or speech itself.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 26:7 is **Simile**. The verse explicitly uses "so is" to draw a direct comparison between two seemingly disparate elements: the physical inability of a lame person to walk steadily and the spiritual/intellectual inability of a fool to properly handle a wise saying. This simile makes an abstract concept (the misuse of wisdom) concrete and relatable through a vivid physical image. Underlying this simile is a powerful **Metaphor**, where the "lame legs" function as a metaphorical representation of inherent instability, deficiency, or incongruity. This physical defect symbolizes the moral and intellectual defect of the fool. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the inherent value of a "parable" (a profound truth) with the inherent deficiency of the "fool." This contrast highlights the tragic irony and futility of wisdom being uttered by one who fundamentally rejects its principles, rendering the wise words ineffective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:7 profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on integrity and character as prerequisites for true wisdom and effective communication. It teaches that wisdom is not merely a collection of facts or clever sayings, but a holistic way of life that must be embodied by the speaker. When a fool speaks a profound truth, the message is undermined because the speaker's life and understanding are fundamentally misaligned with the truth they are attempting to convey. This highlights a core theological principle: God's wisdom is meant to transform the heart and life, not merely to be recited. The proverb serves as a warning against hypocrisy and superficiality, asserting that genuine wisdom flows from a transformed character, reflecting the very nature of God.

* [Proverbs 10:32](/proverbs/10-32 "Proverbs 10:32 - The Lips of the Righteous Know What is Acceptable")
* [James 3:13](/james/3-13 "James 3:13 - Wisdom from Above")
* [Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26-27 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 26:7 offers a timeless challenge for believers today, urging us to examine the congruence between our words and our lives. It reminds us that merely quoting scripture or repeating profound theological truths is insufficient if our character and actions do not reflect the wisdom we articulate. For those who seek to share the Gospel or offer spiritual counsel, this proverb is a powerful call to authenticity. Our lives are often the most compelling commentary on the truths we proclaim. If we speak of love but act in hatred, or preach grace but live judgmental lives, our words become as unstable and ineffective as the legs of the lame. True impact comes when our walk matches our talk, when our character lends credibility to our confession, and when the wisdom of God genuinely transforms us from the inside out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "walk" (actions and character) be inconsistent with my "talk" (the truths I profess)?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper understanding and embodiment of God's wisdom, rather than merely repeating spiritual truths?**
* **Am I discerning about the sources of wisdom and counsel I receive, considering the character of the speaker alongside their words?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my life authentically reflects the biblical truths I believe and share with others?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Proverbs 26:7?**

Answer: The primary message is that a profound truth or wise saying loses its effectiveness and credibility when it is spoken by someone who is morally and spiritually foolish. Just as a lame person's uneven legs make walking difficult and unstable, a fool's character makes their attempts to handle wisdom ineffective and even detrimental. The proverb emphasizes that the integrity of the speaker is crucial for the impact of the message.

**What does "lame" signify in this context beyond a physical condition?**

Answer: While "lame" (Hebrew: *piççêach*) literally refers to a physical disability, in this proverb, it serves as a powerful metaphor. It signifies an inherent imbalance, instability, or deficiency that prevents proper function. Applied to the fool, it represents their moral, intellectual, and spiritual incapacity to grasp, embody, or properly convey wisdom. Their internal "legs" – their understanding and character – are "not equal," rendering their words hollow.

**Why is it so problematic for a "fool" to speak a "parable" or wise saying?**

Answer: It is problematic because a "fool" (Hebrew: *kᵉçîyl*) is not just unintelligent but is characterized by a stubborn rejection of wisdom, a resistance to correction, and a life lived contrary to God's ways. When such a person speaks a "parable" (Hebrew: *mâshâl*), which is a profound truth, the words become detached from their intended meaning and power. The fool's character may distort the truth, use it for selfish ends, or simply render it unconvincing and without impact due to their own lack of integrity, as seen in other proverbs like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. Unlike the "fool" whose words are rendered ineffective by their character, Jesus is the embodiment of perfect wisdom and integrity. He is the very [Wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), and His words are always "equal" and perfectly aligned with His divine nature and flawless character. When Jesus spoke parables, they were not unstable or hollow; rather, they were imbued with divine authority and transformative power, because the speaker Himself was the Truth (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His teachings, such as the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes"), were delivered with an authority that astonished the crowds, precisely because His life perfectly exemplified every truth He uttered (cf. [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority")). In Jesus, we see the perfect congruence between word and being, demonstrating that true wisdom is not merely spoken but lived out perfectly. He is the ultimate "parable" – God's profound truth revealed in human flesh – and in His mouth, every word is life-giving and eternally effective, standing in stark contrast to the futile utterances of the fool.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 26:9

[As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.

Proverbs 17:7

¶ Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

Psalms 64:8

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

Luke 4:23

And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

Psalms 50:16

¶ But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or [that] thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

Psalms 50:21

These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

Matthew 7:4

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye?