Proverbs 26:12

KJV

¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seest {H7200} thou a man {H376} wise {H2450} in his own conceit {H5869}? there is more hope {H8615} of a fool {H3684} than of him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do you see someone who thinks himself wise? There is more hope for a fool than for him!

Berean Standard Bible

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

American Standard Version

Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:12 delivers a profound warning against the peril of intellectual and spiritual arrogance, asserting that a person who is wise in their own estimation is in a more precarious state than even a fool. This verse highlights the profound spiritual blindness that accompanies self-conceit, suggesting that such an individual is impervious to correction and growth, thus making their condition more hopeless than that of a simple fool who might, at least, be open to learning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs that were copied by the "men of Hezekiah," as indicated in [Proverbs 25:1](/proverbs/25-1 "Proverbs 25:1 - The Men of Hezekiah"). This chapter specifically focuses on various types of foolishness, the characteristics of fools, and the dangers of associating with them. Verses preceding [Proverbs 26:12](/proverbs/26-12 "Proverbs 26:12 - The Self-Conceited Man") describe the futility of honoring a fool ([Proverbs 26:1-8](/proverbs/26-1 "Proverbs 26:1-8 - Dealing with Fools")), the danger of sending messages by a fool ([Proverbs 26:6](/proverbs/26-6 "Proverbs 26:6 - Sending a Message by a Fool")), and the repetitive nature of a fool's folly ([Proverbs 26:11](/proverbs/26-11 "Proverbs 26:11 - A Dog Returns to its Vomit")). Within this broader context, [Proverbs 26:12](/proverbs/26-12 "Proverbs 26:12 - The Self-Conceited Man") serves as a climax, presenting a type of individual whose condition is even more dire than the common fool, precisely because their self-deception prevents any possibility of improvement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, which emphasized practical righteousness, moral instruction, and the pursuit of wisdom as a path to a flourishing life. In this culture, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a comprehensive understanding of God's order in the world and how to live in harmony with it. Public reputation and the counsel of elders or wise men were highly valued. To be "wise in one's own eyes" would have been seen as a profound social and spiritual failing, as it implied a rejection of communal wisdom and divine instruction. The concept of a "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) was well-understood, often denoting someone who was morally deficient, stubborn, and resistant to correction, contrasting sharply with the "wise" person who sought knowledge and understanding.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [Proverbs 26:12](/proverbs/26-12 "Proverbs 26:12 - The Self-Conceited Man") is the profound peril of **self-conceit** and **intellectual arrogance**. While the chapter extensively details the characteristics and dangers of the fool, this verse introduces a more insidious form of folly: the person who believes themselves to be wise, thereby closing themselves off from genuine wisdom. This highlights the theme of **teachability versus unteachability**; a fool, though lacking wisdom, might still be open to instruction, whereas the self-conceited person is not, as they perceive no need for it. This implicitly champions **humility** as a foundational prerequisite for acquiring true wisdom, aligning with the broader biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). The verse also touches on the theme of **deception**, specifically self-deception, which is presented as a greater impediment to growth than simple ignorance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450, meaning "intelligent, skilful or artful." In this context, it refers to someone who possesses or is perceived to possess wisdom. The irony here is that the person described *believes* themselves to be wise, but their actions (specifically, their conceit) demonstrate a fundamental lack of true wisdom, which always begins with humility and the fear of the Lord.
* **conceit (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, literally "an eye." The phrase "wise in his own conceit" is a translation of the Hebrew idiom "wise in his own eyes" (חָכָם בְּעֵינָיו). This emphasizes that the perceived wisdom is entirely subjective, self-generated, and not based on external reality, divine truth, or the counsel of others. It points to a profound internal delusion where one's own judgment is the sole arbiter of truth and wisdom.
* **fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From H3684, meaning "fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly; fool(-ish)." This term, *kesil*, denotes a dull, obstinate, or morally deficient person who is resistant to instruction and often acts impulsively or ignorantly. While a *kesil* is indeed foolish, the proverb suggests there is still a glimmer of hope for them to recognize their folly and potentially change, unlike the self-conceited person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?"**: This opening question is rhetorical, designed to draw the listener's attention to a specific type of person. It describes an individual who is not genuinely wise but merely *perceives* themselves as such, often with an air of superiority. The phrase "in his own conceit" (literally "in his own eyes") highlights the subjective and self-referential nature of their supposed wisdom, which is not validated by external reality or divine truth. This self-assessment is a form of pride and intellectual arrogance.
* **"[there is] more hope of a fool than of him."**: This startling comparison forms the crux of the proverb's warning. It asserts that a common fool (*kesil*), despite their inherent lack of wisdom and stubbornness, has a greater potential for improvement or change than the person who is deluded by their own perceived wisdom. The fool, by definition, is ignorant, but their ignorance might eventually lead them to recognize their need for instruction. The self-conceited person, however, is utterly unteachable because they believe they already possess all necessary knowledge, thus closing off any avenue for growth, correction, or genuine wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Proverbs 26:12](/proverbs/26-12 "Proverbs 26:12 - The Self-Conceited Man") is **Hyperbole**, used to emphasize the extreme danger of self-conceit. By stating there is "more hope of a fool" than of a self-proclaimed wise person, the proverb exaggerates the hopelessness of the latter's condition to underscore the severity of their spiritual and intellectual blindness. This hyperbole serves to shock the reader into recognizing the profound impediment that arrogance poses to genuine wisdom and growth. Additionally, the proverb employs **Contrast** by directly comparing two types of individuals—the fool and the self-conceited person—to highlight the unique and more perilous nature of the latter's state. The rhetorical **Question** "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?" engages the reader directly, inviting them to observe and reflect on this specific character type.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:12 profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on humility as the cornerstone of true wisdom and spiritual growth. The person "wise in his own conceit" embodies a form of pride that is antithetical to the very nature of God, who "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." This self-deception prevents the individual from acknowledging their need for divine instruction, external correction, or even the basic recognition of their own limitations. True wisdom, from a biblical perspective, begins with the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), which inherently involves a humble recognition of God's sovereignty and one's own finite nature. The proverb thus serves as a stark reminder that spiritual arrogance is a greater barrier to truth and transformation than simple ignorance, because it actively closes the door to learning and repentance.

* [Proverbs 3:7](/proverbs/3-7 "Proverbs 3:7 - Do Not Be Wise in Your Own Eyes")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [1 Corinthians 8:2](/1_corinthians/8-2 "1 Corinthians 8:2 - Knowledge Puffs Up")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 26:12 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine our own hearts and minds. In a world that often values self-confidence and promotes individualism, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing our own opinions are superior or that we have "arrived" in our understanding. This proverb challenges us to cultivate a posture of perpetual learning and humility, recognizing that true wisdom is not about knowing everything, but about knowing how much we *don't* know and remaining open to correction and new insights, especially from God's Word and wise counsel. It calls us to be wary of intellectual pride, spiritual arrogance, and the subtle ways we might become impervious to truth by clinging to our own perceived wisdom. Are we truly seeking wisdom, or are we merely seeking validation for what we already believe? Our capacity for growth, both intellectually and spiritually, hinges on our willingness to acknowledge our need for it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "wise in my own conceit," unknowingly closing myself off from growth or correction?**
* **How do I respond to constructive criticism or differing viewpoints, especially when they challenge my established beliefs?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and teachable spirit in my daily life and spiritual walk?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me to rely more on God's wisdom than my own understanding?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between a "fool" and a "man wise in his own conceit" in this proverb?**

Answer: The proverb draws a crucial distinction. A "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) is generally understood as someone who lacks wisdom, is stubborn, and often acts ignorantly or impulsively. While resistant to instruction, there is still a possibility, however slim, that a fool might recognize their folly and become open to learning. In contrast, a "man wise in his own conceit" (literally, "wise in his own eyes") is someone who *believes* they are wise, even when they are not. This self-deception makes them unteachable, as they see no need for correction or further knowledge. Their pride and arrogance create an impenetrable barrier to genuine wisdom, making their condition more hopeless than that of the simple fool. The fool might be ignorant, but the self-conceited person is actively resistant to truth because they believe they already possess it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:12, with its stark warning against self-conceit, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antidote in the person of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the dead-end of human arrogance, Christ embodies perfect humility and true wisdom. The self-conceited man is unteachable because he trusts in his own perception; conversely, Jesus taught that true wisdom begins with recognizing one's spiritual poverty and dependence on God ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")). The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus' day often exemplified the "man wise in his own conceit," believing themselves righteous and knowledgeable, yet they were blind to the truth of God's kingdom and the Messiah standing before them ([John 9:40-41](/john/9-40 "John 9:40-41 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man")). Jesus, however, demonstrated the path of humility, not only in His teachings but in His very life, taking on the form of a servant and humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")). He invited those who were weary and heavy-laden, those who recognized their need, to come to Him and find rest for their souls, for He was "gentle and humble in heart" ([Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-29 - Come to Me")). Thus, the hope that is absent for the self-conceited man is abundantly present in Christ, who offers not human-derived wisdom, but the very wisdom of God, accessible only through humble faith and a teachable spirit ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 29:20

¶ Seest thou a man [that is] hasty in his words? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

1 Corinthians 3:18

¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1 Corinthians 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Proverbs 28:11

¶ The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

Proverbs 26:5

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Romans 12:16

[Be] 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 3:17

Because 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: