Proverbs 26:7

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about giving a proverbs to a fool:

Proverbs 26:7 (ESV)

Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless,

is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

If you study the proverbs long enough you will eventually find yourself remembering them and even quoting them (at least the parts you remember).  It is invariable that you will find yourself in a tough situation and having a conversation with someone in the midst of folly, or someone who epitomizes folly.   The temptation will be to provide them with a quick proverb.    To the listening ear you can be assured of some positive outcome from your efforts (Proverbs 25:12).   However, Solomon warns us here that when we give a proverb to a fool we are wasting our time.   Hoping a fool will use a proverb, deliver a proverb, or convey a proverb is like trusting a lame to use his legs.   He may have all the intentions in the world but if his legs don't work that intention won't move him.  The fool can have all the intentions in the world.  But, if you give him a proverb to follow, or he stumbles on it by himself, it won't do him much good.   Fools don't digest wisdom.  Fools don't and can't allow wisdom to move them.   A fool does not revere God (Psalms 14:1) and reverence for God is the first step in leaving folly and pursuing wisdom.    Give a fool a proverb but realize he will not go far with it.  They lack the spiritual legs to allow it to carry them onward and upward.