“…do not be wise in your own estimation.”
Romans 12:16c
The Proverbs are full of warnings about the ‘fool’. The fool is one who is unwilling to learn, filled with pride, and in constant danger of destruction. In fact, the word appears 99 times in the book of Proverbs, and none of them are complimentary!
In fact, check out this list of comments about fools in Prov. 26.
3. A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him.
5. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes.
6. He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence who sends a message by the hand of a fool.
7. Like the legs which are useless to the lame, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8. Like one who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
9. Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10. Like an archer who wounds everyone, so is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.
11. Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.
In fact, reading over this list, you’d think that there is nothing worse than being a fool. And, in a sense, you’d be pretty close to accurate.
But, shockingly, Solomon ends this brutal section of rebuke with a very important statement -
12. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
To Solomon, there’s more hope for a fool than for someone who is right in his own eyes!
So we’re going to consider a set of questions that are designed to check if we are right in our own eyes.
The first question comes from Proverbs 3:7 - a person who ignores the clear teaching of Scripture is wise in their own eyes.
Now, notice what is said here - Solomon tells us not to be wise in our own eyes, right? And he says to fear the Lord. But this comes on the heels of the verses right before—
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Don’t be wise in your own eyes.
In all your ways acknowledge HIM - in other words, submit to His leadership and wisdom in your life — reverence Him. Fear Him and listen to Him.
When we are wise in our own eyes, we turn away from the wisdom in God’s word, and we refuse to submit to Him.
So - are there areas in your life where the Lord has CLEARLY given you direction, but you are unwilling to submit?
Are there areas where the Bible speaks, but you close your ears?
You might be wise in your own eyes!
