Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Original Language Analysis
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
1 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְשֹׁמֵ֖עַ
but he that hearkeneth
H8085
וְשֹׁמֵ֖עַ
but he that hearkeneth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
5 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Proverbs 19:20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.Proverbs 14:16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.Proverbs 14:12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.Proverbs 1:5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Proverbs 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.Proverbs 16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Historical Context
Written in Solomon's court, this wisdom would have been crucial for young officials and leaders who needed to distinguish flattery from genuine counsel. Israel's history repeatedly showed the destruction that came when kings rejected godly counsel (Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12).
Questions for Reflection
- Are there areas of your life where you assume you're right without seeking wise counsel?
- Who are the trusted, godly counselors in your life, and how regularly do you seek their wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew word 'yashar' (right, straight) describes the fool's self-perception—his way seems straight in his own eyes, revealing the deceptive nature of pride and self-sufficiency. True wisdom recognizes human limitations and actively seeks counsel from others, particularly those who fear God. This proverb addresses the root of folly: the refusal to admit ignorance or accept correction.