2 Kings 18:21
Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him. Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
The bruised reed is human strength and human help as an unsafe support to lean upon. It breaks under weight and fails the one depending on it, and like a splintered staff it goes into the hand and pierces and wounds the one who trusts it. Human wisdom is that unreliable reed to lean on, while God's wisdom is the secure guide for those who ask Him in faith.
Looking to human guidance and to human agents under deceptive and hostile influence, instead of looking to God and to the Lord for direction, is leaning on this broken reed. In times of trial, turning to people instead of trusting Christ brings disappointment and awakens distrust and suspicion. The call therefore is to put trust in the Lord and to wait patiently for Him, for He will uphold His cause and make His name great.