Proverbs 26:6
He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
Original Language Analysis
מְקַצֶּ֣ה
cutteth off
H7096
מְקַצֶּ֣ה
cutteth off
Strong's:
H7096
Word #:
1 of 8
to cut off; (figuratively) to destroy; (partially) to scrape off
רַ֭גְלַיִם
the feet
H7272
רַ֭גְלַיִם
the feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
2 of 8
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
חָמָ֣ס
damage
H2555
חָמָ֣ס
damage
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
3 of 8
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
שֹׁלֵ֖חַ
He that sendeth
H7971
שֹׁלֵ֖חַ
He that sendeth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 8
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
דְּבָרִ֣ים
a message
H1697
דְּבָרִ֣ים
a message
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Proverbs 25:13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.Proverbs 10:26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.Proverbs 13:17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
Historical Context
Ancient communication depended on messengers' reliability (see 25:13). Proverbs 10:26 says: 'As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.' Employing foolish or lazy messengers guaranteed failure. Modern organizations still suffer when incompetent people fill crucial positions. Wisdom demands matching people to roles appropriately - don't assign important tasks to those unable to handle them.
Questions for Reflection
- What important tasks have you assigned to incompetent people, ensuring failure?
- How can you better evaluate others' competence before entrusting them with responsibility?
- What tasks might you be 'the fool' for - assignments beyond your competence that harm those who trusted you?
Analysis & Commentary
Sending a message by a fool's hand cuts off feet and drinks damage. The Hebrew 'qarats raglayim' (cut off feet) and 'shathah chamas' (drink violence) create bizarre imagery emphasizing self-harm. Using fools as messengers is self-defeating - like amputating your own feet or drinking poison. Foolish messengers garble messages, represent poorly, create problems rather than solving them. Wisdom requires entrusting important tasks to competent people, not fools.