Proverbs 26:10
Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about the consequences of hiring incompetent people; it's also a warning against rewarding foolishness or wickedness. When leaders (or even we ourselves) elevate or rely on those who are foolish or morally corrupt, it’s like the archer randomly wounding everyone, causing widespread damage.
This passage appears in a section of Proverbs that presents a series of sharp, often contrasting, observations about wisdom and folly. It follows verses that describe the folly of scorning the LORD and the deceptive nature of lazy or boastful people, and immediately precedes a lament about the destructive consequences of hiring fools. The preceding verses highlight the seriousness of mocking God and the unreliable character of the foolish, setting the stage for the practical warning about the severe repercussions of poor hiring choices.
Ever feel like a bad hire just wreaks havoc? This proverb compares it to a dangerously inaccurate archer. What makes hiring a fool so damaging?
This verse paints a stark picture of recklessness. Hiring 'a passing fool or drunkard' is like giving a loaded bow to someone who doesn't know how to aim, or worse, doesn't care.
Unintended Destruction
The proverb places the blame squarely on the hirer. Why is choosing the wrong person for the job such a serious offense?
This isn't just about a bad hire; it's about the moral and practical failure of leadership. When someone in authority hires foolish or unreliable people, they are actively contributing to harm.
Leadership's Ripple Effect
Understand the original words
ḥûl · Hebrew Verb
To injure or cause physical or spiritual harm. It signifies an act of destruction or the inflicting of pain, often used in Proverbs to describe the indiscriminate danger caused by those who act without wisdom.
This passage speaks to the principle that greater responsibility (or in this case, greater opportunity given to the hired hand) comes with greater accountability, echoing the idea that hiring a fool leads to negative consequences.
1 Corinthians 15:33This verse warns against bad company, highlighting how foolish associations can corrupt good character, which is a direct parallel to the harm caused by hiring unwise individuals.
Matthew 7:24-27The parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the stark contrast in outcomes based on the foundation and wisdom of one's choices; hiring a fool is akin to building on sand.
Galatians 6:7This verse teaches the principle of sowing and reaping; hiring a fool is sowing to the wind, guaranteeing a disastrous harvest for the one who does the hiring.
pooleProverbs 26:10: "The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors."
God, who is oft called great, as Psalm 86:10 135:5 , &c., and is described by the name of the Most High, as Psalm 9:2 21:7 , &c., who created all things, and therefore observeth and governeth all men and things, will certainly give that recompence which is meet for and deserved by fools and transgressors , i.e. by such as sin either through ignorance and heedlessness, or wilfully and wic…
gillProverbs 26:10: "The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors."
The great God, that formed all things,.... That made the heavens, earth, and sea, and all that are in them; who is great in the perfections of his nature, and in the works of his hands, and greatly to be praised; both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors; according to their works; every transgression of the law receiving its just recompence of reward, whether a man transgresse…
This verse isn't just about the consequences of hiring incompetent people; it's also a warning against rewarding foolishness or wickedness. When leaders (or even we ourselves) elevate or rely on those who are foolish or morally corrupt, it’s like the archer randomly wounding everyone, causing widespread damage.
This passage appears in a section of Proverbs that presents a series of sharp, often contrasting, observations about wisdom and folly. It follows verses that describe the folly of scorning the LORD and the deceptive nature of lazy or boastful people, and immediately precedes a lament about the destructive consequences of hiring fools. The preceding verses highlight the seriousness of mocking God and the unreliable character of the foolish, setting the stage for the practical warning about the severe repercussions of poor hiring choices.
This passage appears in a section of Proverbs that presents a series of sharp, often contrasting, observations about wisdom and folly. It follows verses that describe the folly of scorning the LORD and the deceptive nature of lazy or boastful people, and immediately precedes a lament about the destructive consequences of hiring fools. The preceding verses highlight the seriousness of mocking God and the unreliable character of the foolish, setting the stage for the practical warning about the severe repercussions of poor hiring choices.
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"Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard." — This verse isn't just about the consequences of hiring incompetent people; it's also a warning against rewarding foolishness or wickedness. When leaders (or even we ourselves) elevate or rely on th…
