TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 3:7–12. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here before us three exhortations, each of them enforced with a good reason: -
I.We must live in a humble and dutiful subjection to God and his government (Pro 3:7):
"Fear the Lord, as your sovereign Lord and Master; be ruled in every thing by your religion and subject to the divine will." This must be,
1.A humble subjection: Be not wise in thy own eyes. Note, There is not a greater enemy to the power of religion, and the fear of God in the heart, than conceitedness of our own wisdom. Those that have an opinion of their own sufficiency think it below them, and a disparagement to them, to take their measures from, much more to hamper themselves with, religion's rules.
2.A dutiful subjection: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil; take heed of doing any thing to offend him and to forfeit his care. To fear the Lord, so as to depart from evil, is true wisdom and understanding (Job 28:28); those that have it are truly wise, but self-denyingly so, and not wise in their own eyes. For our encouragement thus to live in the fear of God it is here promised (Pro 3:8) that it shall be as serviceable even to the outward man as our necessary food. It will be nourishing: It shall be health to thy navel. It will be strengthening: It shall be marrow to thy bones. The prudence, temperance, and sobriety, the calmness and composure of mind, and the good government of the appetites and passions, which religion teaches, tend very much not only to the health of the soul, but to a good habit of body, which is very desirable, and without which our other enjoyments in this world are insipid. Envy is the rottenness of the bones; the sorrow of the world dries them; but hope and joy in God are marrow to them.
II.We must make a good use of our estates, and that is the way to increase them, Pro 3:9, Pro 3:10. Here is,
1.A precept which makes it our duty to serve God with our estates: Honour the Lord with thy substance. It is the end of our creation and redemption to honour God, to be to him for a name and a praise; we are no other way capable of serving him than in his honour. His honour we must show forth and the honour we have for him. We must honour him, not only with our bodies and spirits which are his, but with our estates too, for they also are his: we and all our appurtenances must be devoted to his glory. Worldly wealth is but poor substance, yet, such as it is, we must honour God with it, and then, if ever, it becomes substantial. We must honour God,
(1.)With our increase. Where riches increase we are tempted to honour ourselves (Deu 8:17) and to set our hearts upon the world (Psa 62:10); but the more God gives us the more we should study to honour him. It is meant of the increase of the earth, for we live upon annual products, to keep us in constant dependence on God.
(2.)With all our increase. As God has prospered us in every thing, we must honour him. Our law will allow a prescription for a modus decimandi - a mode of tithing, but none de non decimando - for exemption from paying tithes.
(3.)With the first-fruits of all, as Abel, Gen 4:4. This was the law (Exo 23:19), and the prophets, Mal 3:10. God, who is the first and best, must have the first and best of every thing; his right is prior to all other, and therefore he must be served first. Note, It is our duty to make our worldly estates serviceable to our religion, to use them and the interest we have by them for the promoting of religion, to do good to the poor with what we have and abound in all works of piety and charity, devising liberal things.
2.A promise, which makes it our interest to serve God with our estates. It is the way to make a little much, and much more; it is the surest and safest method of thriving: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty. He does not say thy bags, but thy barns, not thy wardrobe replenished, but thy presses: "God shall bless thee with an increase of that which is for use, not for show or ornament - for spending and laying out, not for hoarding and laying up." Those that do good with what they have shall have more to do more good with. Note, If we make our worldly estates serviceable to our religion we shall find our religion very serviceable to the prosperity of our worldly affairs. Godliness has the promise of the life that now is and most of the comfort of it. We mistake if we think that giving will undo us and make us poor. No, giving for God's honour will make us rich, Hag 2:19. What we gave we have.
III.We must conduct ourselves aright under our afflictions, Pro 3:11, Pro 3:12.
This the apostle quotes (Heb 12:5), and calls it an exhortation which speaks unto us as unto children, with the authority and affection of a father. We are here in a world of troubles. Now observe,
1.What must be our care when we are in affliction. We must neither despise it nor be weary of it. His exhortation, before, was to those that are rich and in prosperity, here to those that are poor and in adversity.
(1.)We must not despise an affliction, be it ever so light and short, as if it were not worth taking notice of, or as if it were not sent on an errand and therefore required no answer. We must not be stocks, and stones, and stoics, under our afflictions, insensible of them, hardening ourselves under them, and concluding we can easily get through them without God.
(2.)We must not be weary of an affliction, be it ever so heavy and long, not faint under it, so the apostle renders it, not be dispirited, dispossessed of our own souls, or driven to despair, or to use any indirect means for our relief and the redress of our grievances. We must not think that the affliction either presses harder or continues longer than is meet, not conclude that deliverance will never come because it does not come so soon as we expect it.
2.What will be our comfort when we are in affliction.
(1.)That it is a divine correction; it is the chastening of the Lord, which, as it is a reason why we should submit to it (for it is folly to contend with a God of incontestable sovereignty and irresistible power), so it is a reason why we should be satisfied in it; for we may be sure that a God of unspotted purity does us no wrong and that a God of infinite goodness means us no hurt. It is from God, and therefore must not be despised; for a slight put upon the messenger is an affront to him that sends him. It is from God, and therefore we must not be weary of it, for he knows our frame, both what we need and what we can bear.
(2.)That it is a fatherly correction; it comes not from his vindictive justice as a Judge, but his wise affection as a Father. The father corrects the son whom he loves, nay, and because he loves him and desires he may be wise and good. He delights in that in his son which is amiable and agreeable, and therefore corrects him for the prevention and cure of that which would be a deformity to him, and an alloy to his delight in him. Thus God hath said, As many as I love I rebuke and chasten, Rev 3:19. This is a great comfort to God's children, under their afflictions,
[1.]That they not only consist with, but flow from, covenant-love.
[2.]That they are so far from doing them any real hurt that, by the grace of God working with them, they do a great deal of good, and are happy means of their satisfaction.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Ignorance is constantly, so to speak, accompanied by rashness and leads people on to attach great importance to their wretched fancies. Thus those who are the victims of this malady entertain a great idea of themselves and imagine themselves possessed of such knowledge as no one can gainsay. For they forget, it seems, Solomon, who says, “Be not wise in your own eyes,” that is, according to your own single judgment; and again, that “wisdom not put to the proof goes astray.” For we do not necessarily possess true opinions upon every individual doctrine that we hold, but often perhaps abandoning the right path, we err and fall into that which is not fitting. But I think it right that exercising an impartial and unprejudiced judgment, and not rendered rash by passion, we should love the truth, and eagerly pursue it.
Once some brothers came to visit Antony, and Joseph was with them. Antony, wanting to test them, began to speak about holy Scripture. He asked the younger monks first the meaning of text after text, and each of them answered as well as he could. To each he said, ‘You have not yet found the right answer.’ Then he said to Joseph, ‘What do you think is the meaning of this word?’ He replied, ‘I don’t know.’ Antony said, ‘Indeed Joseph alone has found the true way, for he said he did not know.’
If there are any who are even in the catholic church and live evil lives, before they finish this life, let them hasten to give up the evil life, and let them not think that the catholic name is enough for salvation, if they do not do the will of God.… In Proverbs each one of us is commanded both to fear the Lord and to depart from evil. There it is said, “Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.”
Do not be wise in your own eyes. Perhaps someone may think this command is the same as the one previously given, And do not rely on your own understanding; but there is a great difference: for one relies on his own understanding who prefers his own opinions about what should be done or said over the decrees of the fathers; but he is wise in his own eyes who, having rightly learned from the teaching of the fathers, exalts himself above others as if more learned. But what true wisdom for a man is, he shows subsequently:
Fear the Lord, etc. Just as it is in Job: Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (Job XXVI). For indeed, all the perfect ought to abstain from all evils, so that they always consider the presence of the divine majesty with fear. And it should be noted that above he commands to have trust in the Lord with all the heart, and not to lean on our own understanding, but now conversely admonishes with equal concern to fear God. But there is no contradiction: for there he strengthens the minds of the fragile, so they do not despair, with the promise of God's help; here he restrains the stronger ones, so they do not presume upon themselves, with the memory of divine fear.
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Summary
Proverbs 3:7 delivers a profound exhortation for genuine wisdom and righteous living, urging the reader to reject intellectual conceit and self-sufficiency. It posits that true understanding and moral integrity are rooted in a deep, reverential awe of the Lord, which naturally compels an active turning away from all forms of evil. This verse thus establishes humility and obedience to God as the indispensable pathway to a life aligned with divine truth.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 3:7 is situated within the opening instructional chapters of the book of Proverbs, which serve as a father's earnest and repeated appeal to his son concerning the pursuit and embodiment of wisdom. Specifically, this verse is an integral part of a larger didactic unit spanning Proverbs 3:1-12, a passage that meticulously outlines the blessings and benefits of adhering to God's commands and trusting in His sovereign guidance. Proverbs 3:7 immediately follows the pivotal and often-quoted injunction in Proverbs 3:5-6, which commands, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Consequently, Proverbs 3:7 functions as a direct, practical outworking and corollary of this foundational trust. It emphasizes that humility ("Be not wise in thine own eyes") and profound reverence for God ("fear the LORD") are essential prerequisites for experiencing God's promised direction and for the subsequent, necessary turning away from sin ("depart from evil"). The entire section underscores that genuine wisdom is not merely an intellectual acquisition but a holistic disposition of the heart, mind, and will towards God.
Historical & Cultural Context
The book of Proverbs is deeply embedded within the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, yet it distinctly centers its understanding of wisdom on YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. In this cultural milieu, wisdom was not an abstract philosophical pursuit but a practical skill for navigating life successfully and righteously, often imparted through familial instruction or mentor-disciple relationships. The recurring "father-son" address reflects the common pedagogical approach of the era, where seasoned elders transmitted vital life principles to the younger generation. The concept of "fear the LORD" was absolutely central to Israelite identity and their covenant relationship with God. It signified not a cowering terror, but a profound awe, reverence, and obedient submission to God's absolute authority, holiness, and moral perfection. This reverential fear was universally understood as the starting point for all true knowledge, moral discernment, and blessed living, fundamentally distinguishing Israelite wisdom from the more secular or polytheistic wisdom traditions of surrounding nations.
Key Themes
This verse encapsulates several core themes that resonate throughout the book of Proverbs and indeed, across the broader biblical narrative.
Humility over Self-Reliance
The opening command, "Be not wise in thine own eyes," directly confronts human pride and intellectual arrogance, which are consistently identified as sources of folly and destruction in wisdom literature. It serves as a potent warning against the perilous tendency to rely solely on one's own limited perspective, perceived intelligence, or personal experience as the ultimate arbiter of truth, which inevitably leads to misguided decisions and moral compromise, echoing the consequences of human pride seen throughout scripture, such as in the fall of humanity in Genesis 3. True wisdom, therefore, begins with a humble acknowledgment of one's finite nature and God's infinite, infallible knowledge, actively resisting the temptation to believe one knows best apart from divine input.
The Fear of the LORD
This central concept, "fear the LORD," is the cornerstone of biblical wisdom. It does not denote terror but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty, omnipotence, and holiness. It implies a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment of His absolute sovereignty and an earnest desire to live in accordance with His perfect will. This reverential fear is consistently presented throughout Proverbs as the indispensable starting point for all true knowledge and understanding, as explicitly stated in Proverbs 1:7 and reiterated in Proverbs 9:10.
Departure from Evil
The instruction, "and depart from evil," represents the practical, ethical, and behavioral outcome that naturally flows from a genuine reverence for God. If an individual truly fears the Lord, their life will inevitably demonstrate a conscious and deliberate turning away from actions, thoughts, and attitudes that are contrary to His righteous character and holy commands. This demonstrates that authentic wisdom is far more than mere intellectual assent; it is a transformative force that leads to moral purity and righteous living, echoing the consistent call for ethical conduct found throughout the Mosaic Law and the prophetic writings, such as in Psalm 34:14.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to be wise," this word encompasses intelligence, skill, and even cunning. In the context of "wise in thine own eyes," it refers to a self-perceived wisdom that is often characterized by arrogance, self-sufficiency, and a detachment from divine truth. It implies a dangerous reliance on one's own intellect or experience as the ultimate arbiter of truth, rather than acknowledging a higher, infallible source of wisdom.
A primitive root meaning "to fear," but morally, "to revere." When applied to "fear the LORD," it signifies a profound awe, deep respect, and humble submission to God's majesty, power, and holiness. This is not a cowering terror, but a reverential dread that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty, leading to a profound desire to obey, honor, and worship Him.
This comprehensive term refers to anything bad, wicked, harmful, or morally corrupt. It encompasses both natural calamities and, more commonly in Proverbs, moral wrongdoing and sin. To "depart from evil" means to actively and deliberately turn away from actions, thoughts, and intentions that are contrary to God's righteous character and holy commands, serving as a practical and demonstrable outworking of the fear of the Lord.
Verse Breakdown
"Be not wise in thine own eyes:"
This clause is a direct negative imperative, functioning as a strong prohibition against intellectual pride and self-reliance. It serves as a stern warning against the perilous human tendency to believe that one's own understanding, judgment, or perspective is inherently sufficient, complete, or superior, thereby negating the crucial need for divine instruction or external, godly correction. It vividly highlights the human inclination towards arrogance and the deceptive illusion of self-sufficiency, which can profoundly blind an individual to the path of true wisdom.
"fear the LORD,"
This clause presents a positive imperative, serving as the divine antidote to the self-wisdom warned against in the preceding phrase. The "fear of the LORD" is unequivocally presented as the foundational principle from which all authentic wisdom in the book of Proverbs originates. It denotes a profound and active reverence, an overwhelming sense of awe, and a humble, willing submission to God's supreme authority, infinite holiness, and perfect wisdom. This reverence is not a cowering fright but a deep, abiding respect that naturally leads to heartfelt obedience and an earnest desire to live a life that consistently honors Him.
"and depart from evil."
This is the second positive imperative in the verse, serving as the practical, ethical, and undeniable consequence that flows from genuinely fearing the Lord. If an individual truly reveres God in the manner prescribed, their life will inevitably demonstrate a tangible, active turning away from sin, wickedness, and anything that displeases Him. This signifies a profound moral transformation and a steadfast commitment to righteous living that is the natural and necessary fruit of a right and reverential relationship with God.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:7 masterfully employs several potent Literary Devices to convey its profound message with clarity and force. The verse is structured as a clear Antithesis, directly contrasting the negative command ("Be not wise in thine own eyes") with the two subsequent positive commands ("fear the LORD, and depart from evil"). This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the mutually exclusive nature of self-reliance versus God-centered humility and obedience. The pervasive use of the Imperative Mood throughout ("Be not," "fear," "depart") renders the verse as direct, authoritative, and non-negotiable instruction, underscoring the urgency and absolute necessity of these commands for a life of true wisdom. Furthermore, there is a strong implied Cause-and-Effect Relationship or Consequential Parallelism: the fear of the Lord is presented as the indispensable condition that inevitably leads to the departure from evil, illustrating that true spiritual reverence for God invariably translates into tangible, ethical conduct and moral transformation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 3:7 stands as a profound theological statement, articulating a foundational truth about humanity's relationship with God that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative. It underscores the pervasive biblical theme of human pride and self-sufficiency as the root of sin, folly, and alienation from God, contrasting it sharply with the divine wisdom that originates in humility and reverence for the Creator. This verse connects powerfully to the broader narrative of salvation history, where humanity's initial fall into sin began with a desire to be "wise" and autonomous, apart from God's explicit word and authority, as depicted in Genesis 3:5-6. Conversely, the "fear of the LORD" is consistently presented as the pathway to life, blessing, and true knowledge throughout the Old Testament, forming the very basis of the covenant relationship between God and Israel and guiding Israel's moral, spiritual, and communal conduct. The call to "depart from evil" is not merely an external act of behavioral modification but signifies a transformed heart and renewed mind, reflecting God's unwavering call for holiness and righteousness from His people, a call that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Reflection and Application
In a contemporary world that often champions radical self-sufficiency, the subjective nature of "personal truth," and unbridled intellectual independence, Proverbs 3:7 serves as a timeless and counter-cultural call back to a foundational principle that transcends fleeting cultural trends: authentic wisdom is not discovered by looking introspectively at our own limited understanding, but by looking upward in humble reverence to the infinite God. To "be not wise in thine own eyes" is a radical, liberating call to surrender our perceived intellectual superiority, our cherished biases, and our often-flawed reasoning, acknowledging our inherent finitude and dependence. This posture of profound humility then unlocks the door to the "fear of the LORD"—a deep, pervasive awe and respect that reorients our entire being, compelling us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His perfect, righteous will. The practical and undeniable outcome, "depart from evil," is the tangible, visible evidence of this transformed heart and renewed mind. This powerful verse challenges us daily to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and allegiance: in our own limited, fallible understanding, or in the boundless, infallible wisdom of God. It invites us to cultivate a posture of teachability, recognizing that true human flourishing, genuine peace, and lasting joy come only from humbly submitting our intellect, our will, and our entire lives to the One who is the sole source of all wisdom, goodness, and truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "be not wise in thine own eyes"?
To "be not wise in thine own eyes" means to actively resist intellectual arrogance, self-sufficiency, and the dangerous tendency to believe that your own understanding, judgment, or perspective is inherently superior, complete, or infallible. It serves as a profound warning against relying solely on your own limited human reason, personal experience, or perceived intelligence, especially when such reliance leads to a dismissal of divine wisdom or the godly counsel of others. Instead, it strongly encourages a posture of profound humility, teachability, and openness to learning, correction, and most importantly, to God's revealed truth. This concept is often contrasted with the true wisdom that originates from God Himself, as articulated in Proverbs 2:6.
Is "fear the LORD" about being scared of God?
While the English word "fear" can certainly imply terror or fright, in the biblical context of "fear the LORD," it primarily denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's absolute holiness, immense power, and majestic glory. It is an acknowledgment of His supreme sovereignty and an overwhelming sense of wonder and respect that naturally leads to obedience and worship, rather than a cowering fright. This reverential fear is consistently presented as the indispensable beginning of all true wisdom and knowledge throughout the book of Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 9:10) and forms the very foundation for a right, covenantal relationship with Him. It is a motivating force that inspires a deep desire to please Him and to consciously avoid anything that would displease Him.
How does "depart from evil" relate to the other commands in this verse?
"Depart from evil" is presented as the practical, ethical, and necessary consequence that flows directly from genuinely fearing the Lord and from humbly avoiding self-wisdom. It signifies that true reverence for God is not merely an intellectual assent or an emotional state, but it inevitably leads to tangible, observable moral transformation and righteous action. If one truly acknowledges God's infinite wisdom and supreme authority, they will actively and deliberately choose to turn away from actions, thoughts, and attitudes that are contrary to His righteous character and holy commands. It is the behavioral manifestation of a heart that is humble before God and reveres Him, demonstrating that authentic, God-given wisdom always results in a life of increasing righteousness and holiness, as also taught in Psalm 37:27.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 3:7 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of true wisdom, never "wise in His own eyes" in a self-reliant or arrogant sense, but perfectly and perpetually submitted to the Father's divine will. His earthly life was a continuous, flawless demonstration of humble obedience, as He Himself declared, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me" (John 5:30). Jesus perfectly "feared the LORD" in the most profound sense of reverential awe and perfect, unwavering obedience, even to the agonizing point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). He was the only one who consistently and completely "departed from evil," living a sinless life, utterly untouched by the corruption of the world, and indeed, He came specifically to "destroy the works of the devil" (1-John 3:8). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ not only perfectly fulfilled this proverb Himself but also miraculously enables believers to live out its commands. He humbles our inherent pride, grants us His Holy Spirit to cultivate a genuine, reverential fear of God, and empowers us to genuinely and actively depart from evil, making us "new creations" (2-Corinthians 5:17) who are now able to walk in His wisdom and righteousness.