Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Original Language Analysis
רָאִ֗יתָ
Seest
H7200
רָאִ֗יתָ
Seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אִ֭ישׁ
thou a man
H376
אִ֭ישׁ
thou a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own conceit
H5869
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own conceit
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
תִּקְוָ֖ה
there is more hope
H8615
תִּקְוָ֖ה
there is more hope
Strong's:
H8615
Word #:
5 of 7
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
Cross References
Proverbs 29:20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Proverbs 28:11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.Revelation 3:17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:Proverbs 26:5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.Matthew 21:31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.Proverbs 22:29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Proverbs 26:16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.Luke 7:44And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Historical Context
Scripture consistently identifies pride as the greatest sin and greatest obstacle to growth. 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble' (James 4:6). Jesus condemned Pharisees for this exact failing: 'If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth' (John 9:41). Admission of ignorance enables learning; confident self-deception prevents it.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you 'wise in your own eyes' - confident you're right despite evidence otherwise?
- How does self-deception prevent growth that acknowledged ignorance would enable?
- What humility would make you teachable in areas you currently consider yourself expert?
Analysis & Commentary
Do you see someone wise in their own eyes? There's more hope for a fool than for them. The Hebrew 'chakam be`eynayv' (wise in own eyes) describes self-deception. Fools may lack knowledge but can potentially learn. Self-deceived people convinced of their wisdom cannot learn - they reject instruction because they think they know better. This worst form of foolishness: unteachable pride. Proverbs 3:7 warns: 'Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.'