When someone who lacks wisdom tries to use wise sayings, it can actually hurt people. This proverb says it’s like a thorn bush in the hand of a drunk person—something that should be handled carefully, but instead causes pain. The Hebrew for "thorn bush" (chedek) suggests something sharp and dangerous. The counter-cultural message is that wisdom can be misused, and good advice in the wrong hands can do more harm than good. In a world where everyone wants to share advice, this verse warns that not everyone should.

If you’ve ever been hurt by someone misapplying a rule or quoting wisdom out of context, you know how damaging it can be. This proverb says it’s better to be silent than to use wisdom carelessly. Think before you speak, especially when it comes to giving advice.