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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The legs of the lame are not equal: so <i>is</i> a parable in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> the legs of the lame that hang limp <i>Is</i> a proverb in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> useless legs to one who cannot walk, So is a proverb in the mouths of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> the legs <i>which</i> hang down from the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> the legs <i>which</i> hang limp on the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who cannot learn from its wisdom].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like lame legs that hang limp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like lame legs that hang limp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The legs of the lame hang loose; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A fool with words of wisdom is like an athlete with legs that can't move. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The legs of the lame hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[Like] a lame person's limp legs, so is a proverb in the mouths of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A fool can use a proverb about as well as crippled people can use their legs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Useless legs to the lame— that's what a proverb quoted by a fool is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like legs that hang limp from the lame, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Like the legs of the lame that hang loose, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The two legs of the lame have been weak, "" And an allegory in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Weak have been the two legs of the lame, And a parable in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The legs of the lame were weak, and a parable in the mouth of the foolish.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As a lame man hath fair legs in vain: so a parable is unseemly in the mouth of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />In the manner of a lame man who has beautiful legs to no purpose, so also is a parable unfit for the mouth of the foolish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A proverb in the mouth of a fool hangs limp, like crippled legs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The legs of a disabled person hang limp; so does a proverb in the mouth of a fool.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As a lame man who cannot walk, so is a parable in the mouth of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If you make a cripple walk, you may take the word of a fool.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The legs hang limp from the lame; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>As well</i> take away the motion of the legs, as transgression from the mouth of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5326" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Similitudes and Instructions</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6455.htm" title="6455: mip·pis·sê·aḥ (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Lame. From pacach; lame.">Like lame</a> <a href="/hebrew/7785.htm" title="7785: qa·yim (N-fd) -- A leg. From shuwq; the leg.">legs</a> <a href="/hebrew/1809.htm" title="1809: dal·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To hang, be low, languish. A primitive root; to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed.">hanging limp</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: ū·mā·šāl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">is a proverb</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: bə·p̄î (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">in the mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ḵə·sî·lîm (N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of a fool.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></span><br />Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12-14</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. / The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. / Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming, and who can tell him what will come after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a></span><br />For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5-6</a></span><br />Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Psalm 58:4-5</a></span><br />Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, / refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a></span><br />who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-3.htm">Isaiah 32:3-4</a></span><br />Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. / The mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will speak clearly and fluently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13-14</a></span><br />But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. / I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-18.htm">Isaiah 29:18</a></span><br />On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a></span><br />This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a></span><br />“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.</p><p class="hdg">not equal</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Proverbs 26:9</a></b></br> <i>As</i> a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so <i>is</i> a parable in the mouth of fools.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7</a></b></br> Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Psalm 50:16-21</a></b></br> But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or <i>that</i> thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-3.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/job/37-16.htm">Hang</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-21.htm">Hanging</a> <a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Legs</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-16.htm">Limp</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/29-16.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/songs/4-4.htm">Hang</a> <a href="/songs/4-4.htm">Hanging</a> <a href="/songs/5-15.htm">Legs</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-7.htm">Limp</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-5.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">observations about fools</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">about sluggards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">and about contentious busybodies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Like lame legs hanging limp</b><br>This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to describe the ineffectiveness of a proverb when spoken by a fool. In ancient times, physical disabilities such as lameness were often seen as significant impediments, limiting a person's ability to function fully in society. The imagery of "lame legs hanging limp" suggests a lack of strength, support, and purpose. This metaphor highlights the idea that just as lame legs cannot support or carry a person effectively, a proverb in the mouth of a fool lacks the power to convey wisdom or truth. The Bible often uses physical ailments as metaphors for spiritual or moral deficiencies, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Isaiah 35:6</a>, where the healing of the lame is a sign of God's redemptive work.<p><b>is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.</b><br>In biblical literature, a "fool" is not merely someone lacking intelligence but rather a person who rejects wisdom and moral instruction. Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). A fool may have access to wise sayings or proverbs, but without understanding or the willingness to apply them, these sayings are rendered useless. This reflects the broader biblical theme that knowledge without application is futile, as seen in <a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a>, which urges believers to be doers of the word, not hearers only. The fool's inability to use proverbs effectively underscores the importance of a heart aligned with God's wisdom, as opposed to mere intellectual assent.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and instruction, often characterized by a lack of moral and spiritual insight.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/lame.htm">Lame</a></b><br>This term is used metaphorically to describe something that is ineffective or useless, much like the legs of a person who cannot walk.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_incongruity_of_wisdom_and_foolishness.htm">The Incongruity of Wisdom and Foolishness</a></b><br>Just as lame legs are ineffective, so is wisdom when spoken by a fool. True wisdom requires not just knowledge but also the character to apply it rightly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a></b><br>A proverb in the mouth of a fool lacks integrity and power. Our lives should reflect the wisdom we profess, ensuring our actions align with our words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility_in_gaining_wisdom.htm">The Role of Humility in Gaining Wisdom</a></b><br>Fools often lack the humility to learn and grow. To avoid being like the fool, we must approach wisdom with a teachable spirit and a willingness to change.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Application of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not merely theoretical; it must be lived out. We should strive to embody the principles of wisdom in our daily lives, making our actions a testament to our understanding.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_26_7_contradict_other_wisdom.htm">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? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_proverbs_7_practices.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the cultural practices implied in Proverbs 7, or is it purely a moral allegory?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_focus_on_her_guilt,_not_his_role.htm">Why does Proverbs 7 focus on the woman's guilt while largely overlooking the man's responsibility (vv. 7-9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_proverbs_22_7_lack_solutions.htm">Proverbs 22:7: Why does the text point out the rule of the rich over the poor but offer no direct solution to systemic economic oppression?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">The legs of the lame are not equal.--</span>Better, perhaps. <span class= "ital">The legs hang down from a lame man, and so is a parable </span>(<span class= "ital">useless</span>)<span class= "ital"> in the mouth of fools; </span>they can make no more use of it for the guidance of themselves or others, than can a lame man use his legs. (Comp. <a href="/luke/8-10.htm" title="And he said, To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.">Luke 8:10</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The legs of a lame man are not equal</span>. The first word of this verse, <span class="hebrew">דַּלְיוּ</span>, has occasioned some difficulty. It is considered as an imperative from <span class="hebrew">דלה</span>, "draw off," "take away." Thus the Septuagint, <span class="greek">ἀφελοῦ</span>; Venetian, <span class="greek">ἐπάρατε</span>. But the verb seems never to have this meaning; nor, if it had, would the sense be very satisfactory, for. as Delitzsch points out, lame legs are better than none, and there is a great difference between the perfectly crippled or paralytic who has to be carried, and the lame man (<span class="hebrew">פִסֵּחַ</span>) who can limp or get along on crutches., And when we explain the proverb in this sense (as Plumptre), "Take away the legs of the lame man and the parable from the mouth of fools," for both alike ere useless to their possessors, and their loss would not be felt - we must recognize that the conclusion is not true. No one would think of amputating s man's legs simply because he was lame, and such a one's legs cannot be considered absolutely useless. Others regard the word as third plural kal, "the legs hang loose;" though the form is not sufficiently accounted for. All explanations of the word as a verbal form have such difficulties, that some take it as a noun, meaning "dancing," which is Luther's interpretation, "as dancing to a cripple, so it becometh a fool to talk of wisdom." But the word could never sightly anything but "limping," and could not express the elegant motion of dancing. The Authorized Version considers the Hebrew to mean, "are lifted up," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. are unequal, one being longer or stronger than the other; but this loses the force of the comparison. There seems to be no better interpretation than that mentioned above," The legs of the lame hang loose," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. are unserviceable, however sound in appearance. St. Jerome has expressed this, though in a strange fashion, "As it is vain for a lame man to have seemly legs." <span class="cmt_word">So is a parable in the mouth of a fool.</span> "Parable" (<span class="accented">mashal</span>), sententious saying, the enunciation of which, as well as the recital of stories, was always a great feature in Eastern companies, and afforded a test of a man's ability. A fool fails in the exhibition; he misses the point of the wise saying which he produces; it falls lame from his mouth, affords no instruction to others, and makes no way with its hearers. Siracides gives another reason for the incongruity, "A parable shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in its season" (Ecclus. 20:20). Septuagint, "Take away the motion of legs, and transgression (<span class="greek">παρανομίαν</span>,? <span class="greek">παροιμίαν</span>, Lag.) from the mouth of fools." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Like lame</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפִּסֵּ֑חַ</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pis·sê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6455.htm">Strong's 6455: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">legs</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁ֭קַיִם</span> <span class="translit">(qa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7785.htm">Strong's 7785: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, leg</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hanging limp</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּלְי֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(dal·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1809.htm">Strong's 1809: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slacken, be feeble, to be oppressed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a proverb</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝מָשָׁ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mā·šāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a fool.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְסִילִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-7.htm">Proverbs 26:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:7 Like the legs of the lame that (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>