Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about not being arrogant; it's a crucial warning that thinking you have all the answers, independent of God, is the opposite of true wisdom and the surest way to stray from what's right.
This verse continues the father's instruction to his son, urging him not to rely on his own judgment or intellect. It follows advice to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all things, presenting a warning against the arrogance that can come from thinking one knows best, and instead pointing towards reverence for God and avoidance of wrongdoing as the true path.
Ever felt like you've got it all figured out? The Bible warns us about a subtle trap that hinders true wisdom.
Proverbs 3:7 directly confronts the idea of being 'wise in your own eyes.' This isn't just about being a little proud; it's about a dangerous self-reliance that cuts us off from God's wisdom and guidance. When we think we know best, we stop seeking Him, listening to His Word, or valuing the counsel of others. This 'wise in your own eyes' attitude breeds arrogance and blinds us to our need for divine help. True wisdom, the Proverbs teach, begins with recognizing our limitations and depending on God.
What's the antidote to self-deception? This verse offers two powerful, connected actions that ground us in reality.
The latter half of Proverbs 3:7 provides the essential counterbalance to 'being wise in your own eyes': 'fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.' These aren't just random commands; they are the twin pillars of a life rightly oriented towards God.
Understand the original words
chakam · Hebrew Adjective
Describes the state of being wise, prudent, or having insight. In this context, it refers to human-centered intellect or self-sufficiency that lacks divine perspective.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A reverential trust, awe, and obedience toward God. It is the fundamental attitude of a believer that leads to submission to His commands and moral standards.
ra' · Hebrew Noun
Represents moral corruption, wickedness, or anything contrary to the character and commands of God. Turning away from it is an act of repentance and obedience.
This passage directly contrasts the self-wise with those who fear the Lord, echoing Proverbs' warning against pride in one's own understanding.
Romans 12:16Paul quotes the sentiment of 'not being wise in your own eyes,' urging believers towards humility and a right estimation of themselves in light of God's grace.
Job 28:28This verse explicitly states that the 'fear of the Lord' is wisdom and that 'to depart from evil is understanding,' directly linking the core commands of Proverbs 3:7 to true wisdom.
Luke 18:9-14Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector powerfully illustrates the danger of self-righteousness ('being wise in your own eyes') and the humble acceptance of God's grace that comes from fearing Him.
pulpitProverbs 3:7: "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
Verse 7. - Be not wise in thine own eyes. This admonition carries on the thought from the preceding verses (5, 6), approaching it from a different direction. It is a protest against self-sufficiency, self-conceit, and self-reliance. It says, in effect, "Trust in the Lord, do not trust in yourself." Wisdom, as Michaelis remarks, is to trust in God; to trust in yourself and in your own wisdom is unwisdom. God deno…
ellicottProverbs 3:7: "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
(7) Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.— The same result is reached by Job also ( Proverbs 28:28 ) in his inquiry after wisdom.
This verse isn't just about not being arrogant; it's a crucial warning that thinking you have all the answers, independent of God, is the opposite of true wisdom and the surest way to stray from what's right.
This verse continues the father's instruction to his son, urging him not to rely on his own judgment or intellect. It follows advice to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all things, presenting a warning against the arrogance that can come from thinking one knows best, and instead pointing towards reverence for God and avoidance of wrongdoing as the true path.
This verse continues the father's instruction to his son, urging him not to rely on his own judgment or intellect. It follows advice to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all things, presenting a warning against the arrogance that can come from thinking one knows best, and instead pointing towards reverence for God and avoidance of wrongdoing as the true path.
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"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." — This verse isn't just about not being arrogant; it's a crucial warning that thinking you have all the answers, independent of God, is the opposite of true wisdom and the surest way to stray from wh…