Proverbs 28:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

NIV: Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

NASB: One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.

CSB: The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

NLT: Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

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

NKJV: He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

The Book of Proverbs defines wisdom as comprehension of God's truth (Proverbs 1:7). Those who reject godliness and His will are defined as "fools." The Bible strongly encourages the use of the mind (Proverbs 14:15; 18:15; Acts 17:11; Romans 12:2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 5:11–14; 1 John 4:1). Yet it cautions that the human mind must be guided by God's Spirit (Romans 12:1–2). Without submission to God, the human mind is prone to sin and depravity (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:15–19). When Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) warns that it's unwise for a man to "[trust] in his own mind," he means the arrogant, self-centered view which ignores God and puts human preferences above all else (Proverbs 3:5; 9:10; Psalm 49:20; 111:10).

James 3:13–18 contrasts worldly "wisdom" and that from God. First Corinthians 1:19 tells us God will reveal the shallowness of worldly "wisdom," and the ineffectiveness of ungodly reasoning (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18–31). Christ, the Savior, possesses "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Instead of relying on our feeble intellect for guidance, we can rely on our all-wise, all-knowing Savior. As the Good Shepherd, He leads His sheep, and it is our responsibility to follow Him (John 10:27). By following the Good Shepherd, we will avoid disaster, which so often comes from sinful choices (Proverbs 8:33; 13:13; 15:24; 18:12).

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.