Proverbs 26:6 Meaning and Explanation
“He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Using a fool as a messenger is self-sabotage; you cut off your own ability to act and drink the harm it causes.
The Context of Proverbs 26:6
The chapter continues exploring the consequences of foolish choices and the dangers of trusting the untrustworthy.
What Does Proverbs 26:6 Mean?
A fool cannot be trusted to deliver an important message faithfully. 'Cutting off the feet' means removing the means of progress—the fool's unreliability cripples your purpose. You lose both the messenger and the message; the task fails.
The proverb extends to any delegation to unreliable people. Trust is a prerequisite for delegation. Giving a fool responsibility for something important guarantees failure and brings harm back on yourself. The damage you 'drink' is the consequence of your poor judgment.
Proverbs 26:6 in the Original Language
damah (דָּמָה), 'drinks' or 'imbibes'—a vivid image suggesting that harm is absorbed like a drink, becoming part of you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 26:6
What does Proverbs 26:6 mean?
Using a fool as a messenger is self-sabotage; you cut off your own ability to act and drink the harm it causes.
What is the context of Proverbs 26:6?
The chapter continues exploring the consequences of foolish choices and the dangers of trusting the untrustworthy.