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◄ Proverbs 26:9►

New International Version
Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

New Living Translation
A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

English Standard Version
Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Berean Standard Bible
Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

King James Bible
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, sois a parable in the mouth of fools.

New King James Version
Like a thornthat goes into the hand of a drunkardIs a proverb in the mouth of fools.

New American Standard Bible
Like a thornthat sticks in the hand of a heavy drinker, So is a proverb in the mouths of fools.

NASB 1995
Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

NASB 1977
Like a thornwhich falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Legacy Standard Bible
Like a thornwhich goes up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Amplified Bible
Like a thorn that goes [without being felt] into the hand of a drunken man, So is a proverb in the mouth of a fool [who remains unaffected by its wisdom].

Christian Standard Bible
A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a stick with thorns, brandished by the hand of a drunkard.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a stick with thorns, brandished by the hand of a drunkard.

American Standard Version
As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Contemporary English Version
A thornbush waved around in the hand of a drunkard is no worse than a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

English Revised Version
As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the month of fools.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[Like] a thorn stuck in a drunk's hand, so is a proverb in the mouths of fools.

Good News Translation
A fool quoting a wise saying reminds you of a drunk trying to pick a thorn out of his hand.

International Standard Version
A thorn in the hand of a drunkard— that's what a proverb quoted by a fool is.

NET Bible
Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

New Heart English Bible
Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Webster's Bible Translation
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

World English Bible
Like a thorn bush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
A thorn has gone up into the hand of a drunkard, "" And an allegory in the mouth of fools.

Young's Literal Translation
A thorn hath gone up into the hand of a drunkard, And a parable in the mouth of fools.

Smith's Literal Translation
A thorn going up into the hand of a drunkard, a parable in the mouth of the foolish.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
As if a thorn should grow in the hand of a drunkard: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In the manner of a thorn, if it were to spring up from the hand of a drunkard, so also is a parable in the mouth of the foolish.

New American Bible
A thorn stuck in the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

New Revised Standard Version
Like a thornbush brandished by the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Thorns spring up in the hand of a drunkard, and folly in the mouth of a fool.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Thorns are sprung up in the hand of a drunkard and madness in the mouth of the fool.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
As a thorn that cometh into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, and servitude in the hand of fools.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Similitudes and Instructions
…8Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.9Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.10Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Matthew 7:6
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.

Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
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?

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
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? ...

Psalm 50:16-17
To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips? / For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

Isaiah 29:13-14
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. / Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

James 1:22-25
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...

Jeremiah 8:8-9
How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? / The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

2 Timothy 3:7
who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Romans 1:21-22
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

Hosea 8:12
Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange.

1 Corinthians 2:14
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.

Isaiah 44:18-20
They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. / And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” / He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

Matthew 13:13-15
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.’

Ezekiel 33:31-32
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.

Treasury of Scripture

As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

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Proverbs 26

1.observations about fools
13.about sluggards
17.and about contentious busybodies

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
This phrase uses vivid imagery to convey the idea of pain and lack of awareness. In ancient times, thorns were common in the Middle Eastern landscape and often symbolized pain or trouble (Genesis 3:18). A drunkard, impaired by alcohol, lacks the awareness to avoid or properly handle a thorn, leading to injury. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the dangers of drunkenness (Proverbs 20:1,Ephesians 5:18) and the lack of wisdom and discernment it brings. The imagery suggests a lack of control and the inevitability of harm when one is not in a sober state of mind.

is a proverb in the mouth of a fool
A proverb, by nature, is a concise statement of wisdom or truth. However, when spoken by a fool—someone who lacks understanding or reverence for God (Proverbs 1:7)—it loses its intended value and impact. The fool may repeat wise sayings without grasping their meaning, much like a drunkard who cannot feel the thorn. This reflects the biblical principle that wisdom is not merely about knowing words but understanding and applying them (James 1:22). The fool's misuse of proverbs can lead to misunderstanding or misapplication, highlighting the importance of wisdom and discernment in speech (Proverbs 15:2,Matthew 7:6).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.

2.Fool
In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and instruction, often characterized by a lack of moral and spiritual insight.

3.Drunkard
A person impaired by alcohol, symbolizing a lack of control and awareness, which parallels the fool's misuse of wisdom.

4.Thorn
A sharp object that can cause pain or injury, symbolizing the potential harm of misused wisdom.

5.Proverb
A short, wise saying that conveys truth or advice, intended to guide behavior and decision-making.

Teaching Points

The Misuse of Wisdom
Just as a thorn can cause harm when mishandled, wisdom in the mouth of a fool can lead to misunderstanding and damage. It is crucial to approach wisdom with reverence and understanding.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers must discern when and how to share wisdom. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive it, and sharing it inappropriately can lead to negative consequences.

The Role of Self-Control
The comparison to a drunkard highlights the importance of self-control and awareness in handling wisdom. Believers are called to be sober-minded and vigilant.

The Value of True Wisdom
True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. It is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, requiring a heart aligned with God's will.

Guarding Our Speech
Our words have power, and we must be careful to speak wisely and appropriately, ensuring that our speech edifies and builds up rather than tears down.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 26:9?

2.How does Proverbs 26:9 illustrate the misuse of wisdom by a fool?

3.What practical steps can prevent us from being "a fool" with wisdom?

4.How does Proverbs 26:9 connect with James 1:5 about seeking wisdom?

5.In what ways can we ensure wisdom is applied effectively in our lives?

6.How can Proverbs 26:9 guide us in mentoring others in wisdom?

7.What does Proverbs 26:9 mean by "a proverb in the mouth of a fool"?

8.How does Proverbs 26:9 challenge the value of wisdom when misused?

9.Why does Proverbs 26:9 compare a fool's proverb to a thorn bush?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26?

11.Is trusting your feelings a wise decision?

12.Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?

13.Proverbs 26 (overall): How do we reconcile the repeated harshness toward 'fools' with biblical themes of mercy, forgiveness, and understanding?

14.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?

What Does Proverbs 26:9 Mean

Like a thorn that goes into the hand

• A thorn is small yet sharp, instantly causing pain and damage. Scripture often pictures thorns as irritants or symbols of judgment (Genesis 3:18;Numbers 33:55).

• When the thorn “goes into the hand,” it penetrates, lodges, and hurts more than a surface scratch. The word picture tells us the harm is real, not theoretical.

• Cross referenceProverbs 22:5—“Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse.” Wise living avoids what wounds; foolish living invites it.

Of a drunkard

• A drunkard’s senses are dulled (Proverbs 23:29-35). He can’t feel the thorn fully or pull it out promptly.

• Drunkenness illustrates moral and spiritual insensibility (Ephesians 5:18). The painful object is there, but the drunkard barely notices until infection or deeper injury sets in.

• The comparison warns that fools mishandle truth because they lack spiritual sobriety.

Is a proverb

• A proverb is a concise, God-given nugget of wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-7). In the right hands it guides, corrects, and blesses (Psalm 19:7-11).

• When detached from reverence for the Lord, even inspired words can be misused (2 Peter 3:16). The value of a proverb depends on the heart that receives and applies it.

In the mouth

• Mouths are meant to speak life (Proverbs 18:21). A wise person’s tongue is “choice silver” (Proverbs 10:20).

• God holds us accountable for every word (Matthew 12:36) and especially for handling His words (James 3:1).

• Speech is the delivery system; when the system is corrupt, the cargo—even pure Scripture—can be twisted and weaponized.

Of a fool

• A fool, in Proverbs, is morally dull, not merely intellectually slow (Proverbs 1:7; 14:9).

• He may quote Scripture slickly, but he neither understands nor obeys it (Proverbs 17:7; 26:7).

• Instead of conviction or comfort, the proverb becomes a tool for mockery, self-justification, or harm—a thorn that injures others and eventually himself.

Putting it together

• A thorn (the harm)

• In a hand (direct contact)

• Of a drunkard (numb awareness)

• Equals a proverb (divine wisdom)

• In a fool’s mouth (unfit steward)

The picture is stark: God’s truth handled by someone who rejects wisdom is dangerous—hurtful to listeners and to the speaker. We are urged to seek wisdom first, then speak (Proverbs 4:5-7; 16:23).

summary

Proverbs 26:9 warns that inspired sayings lose none of their sharpness when uttered by a fool; instead, their edge pierces unpredictably, wounding rather than healing. Wisdom must reside in the heart before Scripture rests safely on the lips.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9)As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard.--Rather, (As) a thornbush(which) comes into the hand of a drunkard, so(is) a parable(which comes) into the mouth of fools.They know not how to use it, and only do themselves and others harm by it. (Comp.2Peter 3:16.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. -As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard. There is here no idea of the drunkard's hand being pierced with a thorn while he is insensible to the pain, but rather of his being armed with it, and ripe for mischief. So it is best to render, "A thornbush cometh into the hand of a drunkard;" he somehow gets possession of it, and in his stupid excitement is liable to become dangerous. Some understandעלה of the growth of the thorn; thus the Septuagint, "Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard;" Vulgate, "As if a thorn grew in the hand of a drunkard." But one does not see the bearing of such an expression; and the translation given above is more appropriate.So is a parable, etc. (as ver. 7). In that passage the wise saying in a fool's mouth was compared with something useless, here it is compared with something injurious. He employs it purposely to wound others; or by the ignorant use of some sharp-edged word he does much mischief. In this hemistich the LXX. has readמשל with a different vocalization, and renders, "servitude (δουλεία) in the hand of fools." This seems to mean that it comes natural to fools to be manacled and restrained by force.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

[Like] a thorn
ח֭וֹחַ(ḥō·w·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2336:Briar, bramble, hook, ring, fetter

[that] falls
עָלָ֣ה(‘ā·lāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, actively

into the hand
בְיַד־(ḇə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A hand

of a drunkard
שִׁכּ֑וֹר(šik·kō·wr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7910:Intoxicated, as a, state, a habit

is a proverb
וּ֝מָשָׁ֗ל(ū·mā·šāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4912:A pithy maxim, a simile

in the mouth
בְּפִ֣י(bə·p̄î)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of a fool.
כְסִילִֽים׃(ḵə·sî·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684:Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

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OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:9 Like a thornbush that goes into (Prov. Pro Pr)