Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Original Language Analysis
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own conceit
H5869
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own conceit
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
מִ֝שִּׁבְעָ֗ה
than seven men
H7651
מִ֝שִּׁבְעָ֗ה
than seven men
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
4 of 6
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Cross References
Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Proverbs 12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Historical Context
This verse combines two Proverbs themes: lazy sluggard and self-deception. Proverbs 12:15 says: 'The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.' Rehoboam rejected elders' counsel for young men's foolishness, splitting his kingdom (1 Kings 12). No amount of wisdom penetrates willful self-deception. Teachability requires humility; pride prevents learning regardless of counsel's quality.
Questions for Reflection
- What wise counsel are you rejecting because you're confident you know better?
- How does laziness relate to unteachability - are you too lazy to change despite knowing you should?
- What humility would make you receptive to abundant wise counsel currently being ignored?
Analysis & Commentary
The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes than seven who can answer discreetly. The Hebrew 'chakam me`eynayv' (wise in own eyes) and 'shivah meshivey ta`am' (seven answering with discretion) creates striking arrogance. Sluggard won't receive correction from even abundant wise counsel. Seven represents completeness; answering discreetly indicates wisdom. But sluggard's self-deception resists all counsel. Laziness and unteachable pride combine destructively.