The term "over-wise" refers to the condition of being excessively wise in one's own estimation, often leading to pride, arrogance, or a departure from true wisdom as defined by biblical standards. This concept is addressed in the Scriptures, where the pursuit of wisdom is encouraged, but with caution against the pitfalls of self-conceit and the limitations of human understanding.

Biblical References:

1. Ecclesiastes 7:16 : "Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?" This verse warns against the dangers of being excessively wise or righteous in one's own eyes. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, advises a balanced approach to wisdom and righteousness, recognizing that an inflated sense of wisdom can lead to self-destruction.

2. Proverbs 3:7 : "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." Here, the admonition is clear: true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, not with self-reliance or self-exaltation. Being "wise in your own eyes" is contrasted with the humility and reverence that characterize genuine wisdom.

3. Isaiah 5:21 : "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." The prophet Isaiah pronounces a woe upon those who trust in their own wisdom rather than in God's. This self-assured wisdom is depicted as folly, leading to moral and spiritual blindness.

Theological Implications:

The concept of being over-wise is closely linked to the biblical theme of humility versus pride. Scripture consistently teaches that wisdom is a gift from God and should be sought with a humble heart. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom rather than relying solely on human intellect.

Practical Applications:

1. Humility in Learning: Believers are encouraged to approach the pursuit of wisdom with humility, recognizing that human understanding is limited and that true wisdom comes from God. This involves a willingness to learn from others and to submit to God's guidance.

2. Avoiding Arrogance: The danger of being over-wise is that it can lead to arrogance and a dismissive attitude toward others. Christians are called to exhibit the humility of Christ, who, though possessing all wisdom, served others selflessly (Philippians 2:5-8).

3. Balanced Wisdom: While the pursuit of wisdom is commendable, it should be balanced with other virtues such as love, patience, and kindness. Wisdom that is not tempered by these qualities can become harsh and unyielding.

In summary, the biblical perspective on being over-wise cautions against self-reliance and pride in one's own understanding. True wisdom is characterized by humility, a reverence for God, and a recognition of the need for His guidance in all aspects of life.

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... Enough. Ecclesiastes 7:16 " "Be not righteous overmuch, neither make thyself
over- wise: why shouldst thou destroy thyself?" Nothing ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... 7:16, "Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest
thou ... Be not righteous over-much, neither make thyself overwise: Why shouldest ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

Self-Respect and Self-Righteousness
... not over-much wicked; neither be thou foolish"why shouldst thou die before thy
time?'"says also, 'Be not righteous over-much; neither make thyself over-wise ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xi self-respect and self-righteousness.htm

He did Wrong, when Mentioning the Doctrines of Salvation, in ...
... ignorance that he wanders off into these conceptions, being one who, in the many
displays he makes, claims to be wise, even "making himself overwise," as the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 14 he did wrong.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... You are so jealous and suspicious, as persons overwise or guilty use to be." So
meaneth this serpent out of the hedge securely and unavoidably to bite his ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Hidden Manna
... If I own my Savior's name, it is Christ's business to keep me; but if I am so overwise
that I think I am safer in the path of disobedience, then I cannot ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... For to this conclusion they are compelled by their premises. How pitiable are they
for their cleverness! how wretched, how fatal is their over-wise philosophy! ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ...
... What must we then expect in the case of God, the Sun of Righteousness? Will
not foolishness be their reward, who would be over wise? ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book x it is manifest.htm

Book I.
... question: [5251] "Look not into things above thee, and search not things too mighty
for thee." And elsewhere, [5252] "Make not thyself overwise, and argue not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
On Care to Be Had for the Dead. . ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

Overwise (1 Occurrence)
...Overwise (1 Occurrence). Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not righteous overmuch; neither
make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? ...
/o/overwise.htm - 6k

Over-wise (1 Occurrence)
Over-wise. Overwise, Over-wise. Owe . Multi-Version Concordance Over-wise
(1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Overwise, Over-wise. Owe . Reference Bible.
/o/over-wise.htm - 6k

Owe (10 Occurrences)

/o/owe.htm - 10k

Overmuch (16 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise:
why shouldest thou destroy thyself? (See JPS ASV BBE DBY RSV). ...
/o/overmuch.htm - 11k

Overwhelms (5 Occurrences)

/o/overwhelms.htm - 7k

Excessively (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not given overmuch to righteousness and be
not over-wise. Why let destruction come on you? (See NAS). ...
/e/excessively.htm - 8k

Shouldst (61 Occurrences)
... pay. (WBS). Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself
overwise: why shouldst thou destroy thyself? (WBS). ...
/s/shouldst.htm - 25k

Shouldest (79 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY). Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself
overwise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? (KJV JPS ASV DBY). ...
/s/shouldest.htm - 30k

Ruin (135 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ecclesiastes 7:16 Be not given overmuch to righteousness and be
not over-wise. Why let destruction come on you? (See NAS). ...
/r/ruin.htm - 37k

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