This verse reminds us that wisdom and discernment are essential when entrusting responsibilities to others.
When we read “Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by” (Proverbs 26:10), we see a vivid illustration of the harm that results from entrusting important tasks or responsibilities to those who lack wisdom. An archer—someone skilled in using a bow and arrow—should ideally send his arrows where they are needed. But this proverb paints a scenario where the archer wounds “everyone,” an image of recklessness that injures indiscriminately. In the same way, “he who hires a fool” or extends an opportunity to people “who pass by” (Proverbs 26:10) does not exercise discernment, potentially causing harm to themselves and to others in the process. This verse continues the broader biblical theme that poor judgment and foolishness bring detrimental outcomes (see Ecclesiastes 10:1-3), underscoring how easily chaos can spread when wisdom is not applied in decision-making.
Furthermore, “he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by” (Proverbs 26:10) depicts a situation in which no care is taken to test character or skill. If a person is hired simply because they happen to show up, without any thought for whether they possess a trustworthy heart or necessary competence, it can be as destructive as arrows shot wildly. Throughout Scripture, there is a principle of careful stewardship—using the resources God has given us wisely for His purposes (see Matthew 25:14-30). This proverb warns against flippant delegation, reminding us that while gracious opportunities are important, unchecked foolishness does not enrich or uplift but can inflict unintentional damage.
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Proverbs 26:10 meaning
When we read “Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by” (Proverbs 26:10), we see a vivid illustration of the harm that results from entrusting important tasks or responsibilities to those who lack wisdom. An archer—someone skilled in using a bow and arrow—should ideally send his arrows where they are needed. But this proverb paints a scenario where the archer wounds “everyone,” an image of recklessness that injures indiscriminately. In the same way, “he who hires a fool” or extends an opportunity to people “who pass by” (Proverbs 26:10) does not exercise discernment, potentially causing harm to themselves and to others in the process. This verse continues the broader biblical theme that poor judgment and foolishness bring detrimental outcomes (see Ecclesiastes 10:1-3), underscoring how easily chaos can spread when wisdom is not applied in decision-making.
Furthermore, “he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by” (Proverbs 26:10) depicts a situation in which no care is taken to test character or skill. If a person is hired simply because they happen to show up, without any thought for whether they possess a trustworthy heart or necessary competence, it can be as destructive as arrows shot wildly. Throughout Scripture, there is a principle of careful stewardship—using the resources God has given us wisely for His purposes (see Matthew 25:14-30). This proverb warns against flippant delegation, reminding us that while gracious opportunities are important, unchecked foolishness does not enrich or uplift but can inflict unintentional damage.