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One who sends a message by the hand of a fool Is cutting off feet and drinking violence.

Verse Takeaways

1

Delegating to a Fool is Self-Harm

Commentators explain that sending a fool on a mission is like "cutting off the feet" of your own messenger—it renders the task impossible. Worse, it forces the sender to "drink damage," meaning they will personally suffer loss and shame from the fool's inevitable blunders. The responsibility for the failure ultimately lies with the one who made the foolish choice.

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Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Proverbs 26:6

18th Century

Theologian

Cuts off the feet - Mutilates him, spoils the work which the messenger should fulfill.

Drinks damage - i.e., “has to drink f…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Proverbs 26:6

19th Century

Bishop

Cuts 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, be…

John Gill

John Gill

On Proverbs 26:6

17th Century

Pastor

He that sends a message by the hand of a fool Who knows not how to deliver it in a proper manner, and is incapable of tak…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Proverbs 26:6–9

17th Century

Minister

Fools are not fit to be trusted, nor to have any honor. Wise sayings, as a foolish man delivers and applies them, lose their usefulness.