Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּהִ֣י
H1961
תְּהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ
in thine own eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ
in thine own eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Job 28:28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.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.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Job 1:1There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.Proverbs 16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.Isaiah 5:21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!Proverbs 14:27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.Nehemiah 5:15But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
Historical Context
Written during Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC), this proverb reflects the covenant theology of ancient Israel. The coupling of 'fear the LORD' with moral action echoes Deuteronomic wisdom, where right relationship with God necessarily produces righteous living.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own understanding rather than God's wisdom?
- How does fearing the Lord lead to practical holiness in your daily decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, emphasizing epistemic humility before God. The Hebrew 'chakam' (wise) warns against intellectual pride and self-sufficiency, which Scripture identifies as the root of sin (Genesis 3:6). The fear of Yahweh—reverent awe and submission to His authority—leads to ethical transformation ('depart from evil'). This verse encapsulates the book's central thesis: true wisdom begins with recognizing the limits of human understanding and submitting to God's revealed truth.