Be not wise in your own eyes;
This phrase warns against self-reliance and pride, which are common themes throughout the Bible. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, often contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued, but it was understood that true wisdom comes from God. This echoes the warning in Isaiah 5:21, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." The phrase also connects to the fall of man in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's desire to be wise in their own eyes led to sin. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the need for humility.

fear the LORD
The fear of the LORD is a foundational concept in the wisdom literature of the Bible. It signifies a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God, acknowledging His power and authority. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness and our dependence on Him. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," indicating that true wisdom starts with a proper relationship with God. In the historical context, fearing the LORD was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12, where the Israelites are commanded to fear the LORD and walk in His ways.

and turn away from evil.
Turning away from evil involves a conscious decision to reject sin and live according to God's standards. This phrase emphasizes repentance and the active pursuit of righteousness. In the biblical narrative, turning away from evil is often associated with returning to God, as seen in the calls to repentance by the prophets. The New Testament echoes this call in James 4:7-8, where believers are urged to submit to God and resist the devil. This turning away is also a type of Christ, who perfectly turned away from evil and lived a sinless life, providing a model for believers to follow.

1. Solomon
- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
- The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal presence and relationship with His people.

3. The Audience
- The original audience of Proverbs was the people of Israel, but its teachings are applicable to all believers seeking wisdom.Humility in Wisdom
True wisdom begins with recognizing our limitations and the supremacy of God's understanding. We must resist the temptation to rely solely on our intellect.

The Fear of the LORD
Fearing the Lord involves reverence, awe, and submission to His will. It is the foundation of a righteous life and leads us away from evil.

Turning from Evil
Actively turning away from evil requires discernment and a commitment to live according to God's standards. This involves daily choices and actions that align with His Word.

Dependence on God
Acknowledge that our wisdom is insufficient without God's guidance. Regular prayer and study of Scripture are essential to align our thoughts with His.

Practical Obedience
Applying this verse means making conscious decisions that reflect God's wisdom, such as seeking godly counsel and avoiding prideful attitudes.1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 3:7?

2. What does "fear the LORD" mean in Proverbs 3:7 for daily life?

3. How can we identify and reject being "wise in your own eyes"?

4. How does Proverbs 3:7 connect with the message in James 4:6-7?

5. What practical steps help us "turn away from evil" as instructed here?

6. How can Proverbs 3:7 guide decision-making in challenging situations?

7. What does "fear the LORD" mean in Proverbs 3:7?

8. How does Proverbs 3:7 challenge self-reliance?

9. Why is wisdom from God emphasized over human understanding in Proverbs 3:7?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3?

11. How does wisdom differ from knowledge?

12. What blessings follow from obedience to God's commands?

13. What defines a godless person and godlessness?

14. Is smoking considered sinful?Be not wise in your own eyes

When I read these opening words I hear a loving, fatherly warning against self-reliance. Pride whispers that my opinions are enough, yet God gently reminds me they are not.

• Refusing self-exaltation means actively seeking His counsel (Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 26:12).

• It invites the humble posture Jesus modeled, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29).

• Paul echoes the caution: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; rather, associate with the lowly” (Romans 12:16).

• Humility opens the door to wisdom, whereas self-confidence slams it shut (Isaiah 5:21).

The verse calls me to trade confidence in my limited perspective for confident trust in God’s unlimited one.

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fear the LORD

Next comes the positive command: cultivate reverent awe.

• “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), the bedrock on which every other virtue rests.

• Holy fear is not cowering terror but joyful submission—recognizing His majesty and gladly bowing (Deuteronomy 10:12–13).

• It keeps my heart tender, like “a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27).

• When I esteem Him above all, lesser fears shrink (Psalm 112:1, Matthew 10:28).

By fearing the LORD, I align my thoughts, motives, and decisions with His character and commands.

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turn away from evil

Reverence naturally produces action. I cannot claim to fear God and still cling to sin.

• Repentance is decisive: “Let those who name the name of the Lord depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).

• Proverbs 14:16 pictures the wise person who “shuns evil,” while the fool plunges ahead.

• Turning requires more than avoidance—it means embracing what is good (Romans 12:9, Psalm 34:14).

• Through the Spirit’s power I break with old patterns and walk in the light (1 John 1:7).

A life that consistently says “no” to evil and “yes” to righteousness proves that genuine fear of the LORD is present.

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summary

Proverbs 3:7 weaves a single, unbreakable strand: humble yourself, exalt God, and flee sin. Each command feeds the next—forsaking self-wisdom drives me to revere Him; reverence compels me to abandon evil. Embracing this triple call guards my heart, guides my steps, and showcases the beauty of God-centered living.

(7) Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.--The same result is reached by Job also (Proverbs 28:28) in his inquiry after wisdom.

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 denounces this spirit: "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:21), because such a spirit leads to the prohibited self-dependence, and is inconsistent with "the tear of the Lord." The precept of the text is reiterated by St. Paul, especially in Romans 12:16, "Be not wise in your own conceits" (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:8; Galatians 6:3). It commends humility. The diligent search for Wisdom is commanded. The great hindrance to all true wisdom is the thought that we have already attained it (Plumptre). In thine own eyes; i.e. in thine own estimation; arbitrio tuo (Trem. et Jun.). Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. The connection of this with the first part of the verse becomes clear upon reflection. "The fear of the Lord" is true wisdom (Job 28:28; Proverbs 1:7). Fear the Lord, therefore, because it is the best corrective of one's own wisdom, which engenders arrogance, pride, presumption of mind, which, moreover, is deceptive and apt to lead to sin. The fear of the Lord has this other advantage - that it leads to the departure from evil (Proverbs 16:6) It is the mark of the wise man that he fears the Lord, and departs from evil (Proverbs 14:16). These precepts form the two elements of practical piety (Delitzsch), an eminent example of which as Job (Job 1:1).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be
תְּהִ֣י (tə·hî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

wise
חָכָ֣ם (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

in your own eyes;
בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

fear
יְרָ֥א (yə·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

the LORD
יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

and turn away
וְס֣וּר (wə·sūr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from evil.
מֵרָֽע׃ (mê·rā‘)
Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:7 Don't be wise in your own eyes (Prov. Pro Pr)