Proverbs 28:26

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who lives by wisdom will escape.

Berean Standard Bible:

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

American Standard Version:

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

He that trusteth^{H982} in his own heart^{H3820} is a fool^{H3684}: but whoso walketh^{H1980} wisely^{H2451}, he shall be delivered^{H4422}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 28:26

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

Proverbs 28:26 is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, which includes the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. This verse reflects the wisdom tradition's emphasis on practical living and ethical behavior, rooted in the fear of the Lord. The historical context of Proverbs is set within the life of ancient Israel, where wisdom was highly valued and seen as a divine gift essential for navigating the complexities of life.

The theme of this verse centers on the source of one's confidence and decision-making. To "trust in his own heart" means to rely solely on one's own understanding, emotions, or desires, which the verse condemns as foolish. The "heart" in Hebrew thought often represents the core of a person's being, encompassing thoughts, feelings, and will. The fool, then, is someone who acts independently of God's guidance and wise counsel, potentially leading to ruin or poor decisions.

In contrast, the verse commends the "wise walker," implying someone who exercises discernment and seeks guidance, likely from God and from others who are wise. Such a person is promised "deliverance," suggesting that wise living leads to positive outcomes, such as protection from negative consequences or success in one's endeavors. The promise of deliverance can also be understood in a broader sense, including the idea of salvation or rescue from sin and its effects, a theme that resonates with the New Testament's emphasis on salvation through Christ.

In summary, Proverbs 28:26 warns against self-reliance and encourages a life of wisdom, which is characterized by reliance on God and adherence to His principles. This wisdom is not merely intellectual assent but a practical guide for daily living that leads to favorable results and, in a spiritual sense, aligns with God's will for one's life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H982
   There are 117 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּטַח
   Transliteration: bâṭach
   Pronunciation: baw-takh'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to hide for refuge (but not so precipitately as חָסָה); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure; be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3820
   There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵב
   Transliteration: lêb
   Pronunciation: labe
   Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3684
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּסִיל
   Transliteration: kᵉçîyl
   Pronunciation: kes-eel'
   Description: from כָּסַל; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly; fool(-ish).
   
4. Strong's Number: H1980
   There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָלַךְ
   Transliteration: hâlak
   Pronunciation: haw-lak'
   Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2451
   There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חׇכְמָה
   Transliteration: chokmâh
   Pronunciation: khok-maw'
   Description: from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4422
   There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָלַט
   Transliteration: mâlaṭ
   Pronunciation: maw-lat'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks; deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely.