A Powerless Proverb

"Like the legs of the lame that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of fools."

Proverbs 26:7

This is a proverb that recently came to mind.  The imagery employed is of legs that are not able to fulfill their designed purpose.  The description of legs as lame and hanging limp shows they are not used or useful for walking, running, jumping or even standing.  While the person sits in a chair they look fit and able-bodied, but their appearance is an illusion.  I once knew a man who was paralysed from the waist down from a car accident in his teens and sat in a wheelchair.  Because of his healthy, fit appearance and active lifestyle, some asked him why he didn't use a cane.  They did not realise his legs were without strength, and over time because of muscle atrophy those legs became a liability.

A proverb in the mouth of fools is compared to the legs of the lame because those words of wisdom are never exercised.  A proverb or verses quoted from Scripture is powerless to guide or support the fool who spouts them.  The lame are unable to stand on their legs, and likewise a fool is unable to walk in the fear of the LORD he does not trust.  Those who speak eloquently and attempt to use the Bible to prove their points but do not know the God who inspired it, are like a paralysed person trying to walk unaided.  Their words are as powerless as those legs that hang limp, devoid of all power to do them any good.  It is hypocrisy to speak truth under the guise of possessing wisdom without belief or personal submission to it, and thus it will not profit the speaker at all.  Should this proverb come from the mouth of an accuser, God's word always supplies a wise response.

An example of this is found in the Bible when the devil tempted Jesus to sin by quoting from the Scriptures.  When Jesus had been fasting and was hungry, Satan approached Him and tempted Jesus to prove He was the Son of God by turning stones into bread.  Jesus responded by citing Deuteronomy 8:3 in Matthew 4:4:  "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"  Satan figured two could play at that game, so in the following temptation he quoted from Psalm 91.  Matthew 4:5-7 says, "Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, ⁶ and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" ⁷ Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'"  The Scripture in the mouth of Satan was like legs of the lame that hung limp:  though he quoted from God's word, his parroting Scripture was powerless to sway Christ from the wisdom of God's word He believed and obeyed.

The Scriptural proverb observed by the wise provides strength to stand and guidance for our lives.  Jesus said those who hear and obey Him He likens to those who build a house on a rock that will endure all storms and conflict.  Since Jesus is wisdom for us, by the power of the Holy Spirit He enables us to stand in the face of verbal, spiritual, even physical assault.  Children of God by faith in Jesus are exhorted in Ephesians 6:10-11, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."  It is important we do not play the hypocrite with our words, quoting Scripture we are unwilling to put into practice ourselves.  By God's grace we are enabled to walk with Jesus, following Him as our Good Shepherd.  Even a paralysed person is able to stand with God's help as it is written in Romans 5:1-2:  "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."