May 26

May 26 - Today from Proverbs 26 we look at verse 7
"Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool."

This proverb begins with a very vivid picture - particularly in the day it was written. A lame man was totally dependent on others. There were no wheel chairs, Amigos, golf carts, and all the amenities afforded the disabled in our modern American culture. The lame man of the Biblical days was relegated to becoming a disenfranchised member of society, often begging in gateways and other traffic areas. Solomon purposely imprinted into the mind of the student how instruments created to bless and to make man mobile had an enormous negative impact on the entire life and being of that man when they did not function. A man's legs were vitally important in the culture of that day. Rather than being a blessing to the man, the lame man's legs became a curse to him. So it is with a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
In chapter one, we read the purpose of the proverbs. "For attaining wisdom and discipline ... for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair." The proverbs were given to reveal to man life the way it is meant to be lived, to establish proper values, and to bless the man who receives and applies wisdom. Just as healthy legs added incredible ability and quality of life to a man's physical life, the understanding and application of the wisdom of proverbs added incredible quality to a man's abilities in handling life itself. This principle still holds true today.
By time we reach chapter 26, the proverbs quite clearly define the attributes of a fool. A fool is most generally one who is right in his own eyes. A fool enjoys mischief, particularly with the use of words. A fool is reactionary, which is often revealed through a display of temper. A fool is often meddling in the business of others. A fool is quick to offer his own opinions and stubbornly stands by them even in the face of equal or better arguments. He is not seeking to grow in objective understanding, but more often to fortify or win his own position. By display of his attitudes and actions, a fool is pretty much a self-important and self-centered person.
Now that we have identified the purpose of a proverb and the character of a fool, we can easily see the lesson of this proverb. A fool may take up a proverb, but you can be certain that he will use it for self-achieving ends - to make his case, to prove his point, to turn its lesson against others rather than to apply it to himself. The proverb will never be useful in its intended purpose when used in such a manner. It will not enhance one's ability to understand life the way it is meant to be lived (to practice justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God -Micah 6:8). It will not serve to increase one's wisdom and abilities in properly handling life's situations. Rather than being the blessing it was intended to be, it will become a curse to the fool.
This passage was written for instruction to leaders. It is a warning not to place foolish-type people in positions of influence and authority. Leaders are accountable for their areas of responsibility and it would not serve them well to place crippled men in positions where mobility and ability are critical. Even if a foolish-type person can speak in terms of wisdom, if not properly understood and applied, the wisdom will either have no effect or it may even have a negative effect. Placing the right people in the right positions at the right time adds incredible potential for success of the efforts of the leader, and the people for which he serves.