Proverbs 26:7 Meaning and Explanation
“The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A parable spoken by a fool has no power or effect, like a lame person's unequal, ineffective legs.
The Context of Proverbs 26:7
The focus turns to the ineffectiveness of wisdom communicated by fools, a theme woven throughout Proverbs.
What Does Proverbs 26:7 Mean?
The lame walk with uneven gait—one leg cannot support the journey as it should. Similarly, a parable used by a fool lacks the wisdom it should convey. The form exists but the substance fails; the words are there but the meaning does not land. A fool misunderstands or misapplies the parable.
Parables require wisdom to speak and wisdom to hear. In a fool's mouth, they become mere words without insight, unable to guide or instruct. The profound loses power when handled by one lacking understanding.
Proverbs 26:7 in the Original Language
mashal (מָשָׁל), 'parable'—a wise saying, comparison, or moral teaching meant to instruct through reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 26:7
What does Proverbs 26:7 mean?
A parable spoken by a fool has no power or effect, like a lame person's unequal, ineffective legs.
What is the context of Proverbs 26:7?
The focus turns to the ineffectiveness of wisdom communicated by fools, a theme woven throughout Proverbs.