Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just tell us not to be wise in our own eyes; it links that self-sufficiency directly to a failure to "fear the LORD." True wisdom isn't about having all the answers yourself, but recognizing that all true wisdom originates from God, which naturally leads to humility and a turning away from wrong.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse sits within a larger section of Proverbs that extols the benefits of wisdom and adherence to God's commands. It directly follows instructions to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all things, warning against leaning on one's own understanding. Immediately after this admonition, the text promises that this path will lead to physical well-being and prosperity.
Ever feel like you've got it all figured out? Proverbs warns against the danger of thinking too highly of your own wisdom.
The verse calls us to avoid being 'wise in our own eyes.' This isn't about doubting your abilities, but about recognizing the limits of your perspective.
The Trap of Self-Reliance
When we're 'wise in our own eyes,' we tend to trust our own understanding above all else. This can lead to ignoring God's guidance, refusing advice, and becoming resistant to correction. It's a subtle form of pride that whispers, 'I know best.'
Wisdom's True Source
True wisdom, as Proverbs consistently teaches, begins with acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of all understanding. Leaning on our own intellect without acknowledging Him is not wisdom, but a dangerous form of foolishness that can lead us astray.
What's the antidote to self-conceit? Proverbs points to two crucial, interconnected practices.
The verse doesn't just tell us what not to do; it prescribes what we should do. The cure for being 'wise in your own eyes' is found in two powerful actions:
1. Fear the Lord
This 'fear' isn't about being terrified, but about having a profound reverence and awe for God. It means recognizing His supreme authority, His holiness, and His power. This reverence naturally puts our own wisdom into perspective. When you stand in awe of God, your own perceived cleverness shrinks in comparison.
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2. Turn Away From Evil
This is the practical outworking of fearing the Lord. True reverence for God naturally leads to an aversion to what displeases Him – to evil. It's a conscious decision to reject sin and actively move away from it. This turning from evil, coupled with reverence for God, is the bedrock of a life lived wisely.
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 parallels the warning against self-deception, highlighting the danger of those who are 'wise in their own eyes' and consider themselves prudent.
Romans 12:16The Apostle Paul echoes this proverb, urging believers not to be conceited and instead to associate with the humble, reinforcing the idea that self-sufficiency is a hindrance to true wisdom.
Job 28:28This verse explicitly states that the fear of the Lord is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding, directly linking the two commands in Proverbs 3:7 to the essence of true wisdom.
Proverbs 16:6This proverb explains that the fear of the Lord leads one away from evil, providing the practical outcome and consequence of heeding the instruction given in Proverbs 3:7.
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.
The verse doesn't just tell us not to be wise in our own eyes; it links that self-sufficiency directly to a failure to "fear the LORD." True wisdom isn't about having all the answers yourself, but recognizing that all true wisdom originates from God, which naturally leads to humility and a turning away from wrong.
This verse sits within a larger section of Proverbs that extols the benefits of wisdom and adherence to God's commands. It directly follows instructions to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all things, warning against leaning on one's own understanding. Immediately after this admonition, the text promises that this path will lead to physical well-being and prosperity.
This verse sits within a larger section of Proverbs that extols the benefits of wisdom and adherence to God's commands. It directly follows instructions to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all things, warning against leaning on one's own understanding. Immediately after this admonition, the text promises that this path will lead to physical well-being and prosperity.
"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." — The verse doesn't just tell us not to be wise in our own eyes; it links that self-sufficiency directly to a failure to "fear the LORD." True wisdom isn't about having all the answers yourself, bu…
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Last reviewed October 2026