Like cutting off one’s own feet
This phrase illustrates the self-destructive nature of relying on a fool. In biblical times, feet were essential for travel and work, symbolizing one's ability to function and progress. Cutting off one's feet would render a person immobile and helpless, highlighting the futility and harm in trusting a fool. This imagery is consistent with other Proverbs that warn against foolishness (Proverbs 10:26, 25:19).

or drinking violence
The metaphor of "drinking violence" suggests willingly ingesting harm or chaos. In ancient cultures, drinking was often associated with celebration or sustenance, but here it is twisted to imply self-inflicted damage. This aligns with the biblical theme that foolish actions lead to personal ruin (Proverbs 13:20). The imagery of drinking violence can also be seen as a precursor to the New Testament warnings against living in sin (Galatians 6:7-8).

is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool
Entrusting a fool with a message is likened to self-harm, as it is bound to result in misunderstanding or failure. In the ancient world, messengers were crucial for communication, and their reliability was paramount. A fool, lacking wisdom and discernment, would likely distort or fail in delivering the message accurately. This reflects the broader biblical principle of seeking wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22) and the importance of wisdom in leadership and communication (James 1:5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Fool
In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often rejecting God's ways. The fool is central to this verse as the one entrusted with a message.

2. The Messenger
The person who sends a message, representing someone who makes decisions about whom to trust with important tasks.

3. The Message
Represents important communication or tasks that require wisdom and reliability.

4. The Sender
The individual who chooses to send the message through a fool, illustrating poor judgment.

5. The Imagery of Violence
The verse uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of trusting a fool, likening it to self-harm and chaos.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Discernment
Discernment is crucial in choosing whom to trust with important tasks. Just as one would not cut off their own feet, one should not entrust a fool with significant responsibilities.

Consequences of Poor Judgment
Making unwise decisions, such as sending a message through a fool, leads to self-inflicted harm and chaos, akin to "drinking violence."

Value of Wisdom and Understanding
Wisdom and understanding are vital in decision-making processes. Seeking God's guidance helps avoid the pitfalls of relying on foolishness.

Guarding Against Foolishness
Believers are called to guard against foolishness in their own lives and in their associations, ensuring that their actions align with God's wisdom.

The Role of Accountability
Accountability in our choices, especially in whom we trust, reflects our commitment to living wisely and honoring God.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 26:6?2. How does Proverbs 26:6 warn against trusting unreliable messengers in our lives? 3. What consequences arise from sending "a message by the hand of a fool"? 4. How can we discern reliable messengers using biblical principles? 5. What other Proverbs emphasize the importance of wisdom in communication? 6. How can we apply Proverbs 26:6 in choosing leaders or representatives today?7. What does Proverbs 26:6 mean by "cutting off one's own feet"?8. How does Proverbs 26:6 relate to trusting unreliable people?9. Why does Proverbs 26:6 compare sending a message by a fool to self-harm?10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26?11. Proverbs 26:11: Does comparing a fool to a dog returning to its vomit present a historical or cultural context that might clash with more compassionate teachings elsewhere?12. Proverbs 26 (overall): How do we reconcile the repeated harshness toward 'fools' with biblical themes of mercy, forgiveness, and understanding?13. Proverbs 26:7: Does the idea of a proverb in a fool's mouth being 'useless' conflict with other Bible passages that suggest all wisdom is beneficial?14. Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?

What Does Proverbs 26:6 Mean

Like cutting off one’s feet

“Like cutting off one’s feet…” (Proverbs 26:6a) paints a vivid picture of self-inflicted disablement.

• Feet give balance, direction, and progress. Severing them leaves a person stranded, helpless, and in pain (compare Proverbs 19:3; Ecclesiastes 10:3).

• Trusting a fool with your errand is as reckless as sawing off your own legs—an act that immediately cripples your effectiveness and testimony.

• A fool lacks the moral footing to stand firm or walk straight (Proverbs 14:7; 26:11). When you tie your purpose to him, his instability becomes yours.

or drinking violence

“…and drinking violence…” (Proverbs 26:6b) shifts from bodily harm to internal damage.

• Swallowing violence suggests voluntarily taking a deadly toxin (Proverbs 4:17; Job 15:16).

• Violence works from the inside out: lost reputation, broken relationships, legal fallout, even personal danger (Proverbs 13:2; Matthew 26:52).

• What starts as a simple delivery “drink” soon courses through every vein of life, poisoning joy and peace (James 3:16).

is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

“…is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.” (Proverbs 26:6c) delivers the lesson.

• In Solomon’s day, a messenger carried authority equal to the sender (Proverbs 25:13; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

• Place that charge in foolish hands and:

– The message may be distorted or forgotten (Proverbs 13:16).

– The fool may mix in his own agenda (Proverbs 26:16).

– Hearers learn to doubt both messenger and master (Proverbs 10:26).

• A wise alternative: entrust tasks to the faithful, as seen in the diligence of Joseph (Genesis 39:4-6) and the reliability of Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21-22).

summary

Proverbs 26:6 warns that relying on a fool to represent you is self-sabotage. It cripples your progress like severed feet and injects turmoil like a draught of violence. Wisdom chooses trustworthy messengers, preserving both the message and the messenger’s reputation.

(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.

Verse 6. - He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool. This clause comes in the Hebrew after the next. Cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage. To entrust an important commission to a fool is to deprive one's self of the means of having it properly executed, and to bring upon one's self shame and injury. A man who is so silly as to employ such an unfit messenger, as it were, cuts off the feet which should bear him on his errand, and, instead of enjoying the satisfaction of seeing the business well performed, he will be mortified and damaged by the blunder and stupidity of his emissary. Septuagint, "He maketh for himself reproach from his own ways (ὁδῶν,? ποδῶν) who sendeth a word by a foulish messenger." The Vulgate reads the first participle in a passive sense, claudus pedibus; but this is uneccessary. We have similar phrases to "drinketh damage" elsewhere; e.g., Job 15:16 "drinketh in iniquity;" 34:7, "drinketh up scorn;" and with a different word, Proverbs 19:28, "devoureth iniquity." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Like cutting off
מְקַצֶּ֣ה (mə·qaṣ·ṣeh)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7096: To cut off, to destroy, to scrape off

one’s own feet
רַ֭גְלַיִם (raḡ·la·yim)
Noun - fd
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

or drinking
שֹׁתֶ֑ה (šō·ṯeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

violence
חָמָ֣ס (ḥā·mās)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain

is the sending
שֹׁלֵ֖חַ (šō·lê·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

of a message
דְּבָרִ֣ים (də·ḇā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

by the hand
בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of a fool.
כְּסִֽיל׃ (kə·sîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

Links

Proverbs 26:6 NIV
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Proverbs 26:6 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 26:6 One who sends a message by (Prov. Pro Pr)