Proverbs 26:9

Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

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One of my favorite movies of the last 15 years is The Book of Eli — and spoiler alert — I’m giving away the plot. It’s been 15 years, fam. Catch up.

There’s a moment where Eli says: “I walk by faith… not by sight.” When you hear it early in the film, it sounds like a metaphor.

But by the end? You realize it wasn’t a metaphor at all. Eli was blind the entire time.

It’s the same kind of twist as The Sixth Sense — Yes, the kid was dead the whole time. Yes, Bruce Willis was dead too. And if I just spoiled that for you… brother… sister… that movie came out 26 years ago. You out here seeing Wicked this week and haven’t seen The Sixth Sense yet? Please. Catch up.

But I digress…

What fascinates me is that nobody in The Book of Eli realized he was blind until the end. The villains didn’t see it. The viewers didn’t catch it. Nobody noticed.

Blind the entire narrative… and still missing the point.

And that takes us straight into Proverbs 26:9:

“Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.”

The imagery hits hard: A drunk man grabs a thornbush but feels no pain because he’s numb.

That’s what it’s like when someone speaks wisdom… without living wisdom. You can talk Bible, quote Bible, post Bible and still not feel any of its power.

You can stand next to the truth and miss the point completely.

Tony Campolo once said something like: “You can be around the Bible so long you start mistaking proximity for transformation.”

That’s the thornbush. Holding something that’s quick and powerful and alive —Sharper than any ‘two-edged sword’ — yet feeling none of it.

Because the “fool” in Scripture isn’t uninformed. The fool is numb. Numb to conviction. Numb to correction. Numb to the sting that’s supposed to wake you up.

But hear me: If the Word stings you? If a Proverb pokes something in your soul? If wisdom irritates your comfort?

That means you’re alive. Your nerves are still working. God is still reaching you.

The real danger is when you bypass what you feel.

Look back at The Book of Eli: Eli was blind — but he could feel the Word. It shaped him. It held him It guided him.

The villain “Carnegie” (ohh he played that villain to didn’t he) could see perfectly — but was spiritually dead drunk. Numb. Unable to feel the thorns cutting into his own hands.

Same Scripture. Different hearts. Different destinies.

💥 Remember

If the Word pricks you, it’s a sign you’re still on the right path.

Prayer

Lord, keep my heart sensitive so Your truth can change me.

Today’s Challenge

Read one Proverb today. Circle the line that stings — even a little. Don’t numb it. Don’t dodge it. Let that small sting of conviction guide you toward life.

About the Author

Fred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch

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Be Wise and Be Well...peace.

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