Proverbs 28:26
New International Version
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

New Living Translation
Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

English Standard Version
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Berean Standard Bible
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

King James Bible
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

New King James Version
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

New American Standard Bible
One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.

NASB 1995
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

NASB 1977
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

Legacy Standard Bible
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will escape.

Amplified Bible
He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.

Christian Standard Bible
The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

American Standard Version
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Contemporary English Version
Only fools would trust what they alone think, but if you live by wisdom, you will do all right.

English Revised Version
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever trusts his own heart is a fool. Whoever walks in wisdom will survive.

Good News Translation
It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.

International Standard Version
Whoever trusts in himself is foolish, but whoever lives wisely will be kept safe.

Majority Standard Bible
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

NET Bible
The one who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but the one who walks in wisdom will escape.

New Heart English Bible
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Webster's Bible Translation
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

World English Bible
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Whoever is trusting in his heart is a fool, "" And whoever is walking in wisdom is delivered.

Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is trusting in his heart is a fool, And whoso is walking in wisdom is delivered.

Smith's Literal Translation
He trusting in his heart is foolish: and he going in wisdom shall be delivered.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh wisely, he shall be saved.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved.

New American Bible
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are safe.

New Revised Standard Version
Those who trust in their own wits are fools; but those who walk in wisdom come through safely.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but he who walks with integrity will be delivered.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He that trusts upon his own heart is a fool and he that walks in integrity will be delivered.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall escape.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that trusts to a bold heart, such an one is a fool: but he that walks in wisdom shall be safe.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boldness of the Righteous
25A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. 27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 17:5
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Romans 1:21-22
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

James 1:5-8
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. / But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. / That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ...

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

2 Corinthians 1:9
Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.

Galatians 6:3
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 10:12
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.


Treasury of Scripture

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

that

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

2 Kings 8:13
And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

but

Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

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Proverbs 28
1. general observations of impiety and integrity














He who trusts in himself is a fool
This phrase highlights the biblical theme of the folly of self-reliance. Throughout Scripture, reliance on one's own understanding is consistently discouraged. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued, and it was understood that true wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 9:10). Trusting in oneself implies a rejection of divine guidance, which is seen as foolishness. This is echoed in Jeremiah 17:9, which describes the heart as deceitful. The historical context of Israel, surrounded by nations that often relied on human wisdom and strength, further underscores the importance of trusting in God rather than oneself.

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe
Walking in wisdom implies living a life guided by God's principles and understanding. In biblical terms, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth. The safety mentioned here is not just physical protection but also spiritual security. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that those who follow God's ways are under His protection (Psalm 91:1-2). The concept of walking in wisdom is also seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied divine wisdom and provided a model for believers to follow. The promise of safety is both a present reality and a future hope, as seen in the ultimate salvation offered through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often contrast the wise and the foolish.

2. The Fool
In Proverbs, the fool is often depicted as someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, choosing instead to rely on their own flawed judgment.

3. The Wise
Those who seek and apply God's wisdom in their lives, often characterized by humility and a willingness to learn from God and others.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

5. The Path of Wisdom
A metaphorical journey that represents living according to God's principles, leading to safety and security.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Self-Reliance
Trusting in oneself is equated with foolishness because human understanding is limited and flawed. True wisdom comes from God, not from within.

The Safety of Walking in Wisdom
Walking in wisdom involves seeking God's guidance and applying His principles to our lives. This path leads to safety and security, both spiritually and practically.

The Role of Humility in Wisdom
Humility is essential for acquiring wisdom. Recognizing our limitations and seeking God's wisdom demonstrates a humble heart.

The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
Surrounding oneself with wise, godly counsel can help avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance and lead to better decision-making.

The Heart's Deceptiveness
Our hearts can deceive us, leading us astray. Regularly aligning our hearts with God's Word helps guard against this deception.(26) He that trusteth in his own heart, is confident in his own wisdom (comp. 1Corinthians 3:18, sqq.); he will perish in his folly.

But whoso walketh wisely.--Literally, in wisdom, which begins with the "fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 9:10), "shall be delivered" from the trouble into which the "fool" is brought by his self-confidence.

Verse 26. - He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool (see Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21). What is here censured is that presumptuous confidence in one's own thoughts, plans, and imaginations which leads a man to neglect both God's inspirations and the counsel of others (comp. ver. 14; Proverbs 14:16). "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fail" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Septuagint, "Whoso trusteth to a bold heart, such a one is a fool." Whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. This man looks outside himself for direction; be trusts in the wisdom which is from above; he walks in the fear of the Lord, and is saved from the dangers to which self-confidence exposes the fool. The best commentary on the gnome is Jeremiah 9:23, 24, "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord,"

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He who trusts
בּוֹטֵ֣חַ (bō·w·ṭê·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure

in himself
בְּ֭לִבּוֹ (bə·lib·bōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

is a fool,
כְסִ֑יל (ḵə·sîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

but one who walks
וְהוֹלֵ֥ךְ (wə·hō·w·lêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in wisdom
בְּ֝חָכְמָ֗ה (bə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

will be safe.
יִמָּלֵֽט׃ (yim·mā·lêṭ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:26 One who trusts in himself (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 28:25
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