Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 3:7
“Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
NIV · New International Version
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
WEB · World English Bible
Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
What does Proverbs 3:7 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes,.... So as to act independently of God; not to trust in him, nor acknowledge him, nor seek to him for help and direction; nor ask nor take the advice of others; but, being conceited and self-sufficient, lean to thine own understanding, as being wise enough to conduct all affairs in life by thy own discretion; and in matters of religion wiser than thy teachers, and even than the Scriptures, being wise above that which is written; pleasing thyself with thine own wisdom, as exceeding others; glorying in it as thine own acquisition, and not ascribing it to God, so far as it any ways deserves the name of wisdom; though for the most part that which men glory in, and…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 3:7–12
A dutiful subjection: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil; take heed of doing any thing to offend him and to forfeit his care. To fear the Lord, so as to depart from evil, is true wisdom and understanding (Job 28:28); those that have it are truly wise, but self-denyingly so, and not wise in their own eyes. For our encouragement thus to live in the fear of God it is here promised (Pro 3:8) that it shall be as serviceable even to the outward man as our necessary food. It will be nourishing: It shall be health to thy navel.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 3:4–10 (WEB)
4So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones. 9Honor the LORD with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase; 10so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Cross references
- Job 28:28
To man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.’”
- Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
- Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
- Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from evil.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13
This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
- Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
- Psalms 34:11–14