What other scriptures warn against being "wise in your own eyes"? Foundation Verse: Proverbs 3:7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Old Testament Warnings • Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Proverbs 26:12 – “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” • Proverbs 26:16 – “The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer with discretion.” • Proverbs 28:11 – “A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.” • Proverbs 28:26 – “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.” • Isaiah 5:21 – “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” • Job 37:24 – “Therefore, men fear Him; He does not regard any who are wise in heart.” • Jeremiah 9:23 – “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his strength, nor the rich man in his riches.” New Testament Echoes • Romans 11:25 – “…so that you will not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.” • Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own sight.” • 1 Corinthians 3:18 – “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.” • 1 Corinthians 8:2 – “The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.” • Galatians 6:3 – “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” • James 3:13–15 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” • Revelation 3:17 – “You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” Key Themes That Surface • Self-confidence apart from God is repeatedly labeled foolish and dangerous. • True wisdom is inseparable from humility and a willingness to listen. • Pride blinds—those “wise in their own eyes” cannot see their real need. • God opposes the proud but offers hope, security, and honor to the humble. • Both coveting status (riches, knowledge, influence) and spiritual complacency are subtle forms of self-wisdom Scripture exposes. Living It Out Today • Cultivate a habit of submitting every decision to God’s Word rather than personal preference. • Invite counsel from mature believers; resist the instinct to “go it alone.” • Measure success by faithfulness and obedience, not by self-evaluated brilliance. • Confess pride quickly; ask the Lord to replace it with teachability. • Keep worship central—seeing God’s greatness shrinks self-importance and clarifies true wisdom. |
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