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Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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There is more hope for a fool than for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? <i>there is</i> more hope of a fool than of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? <i>There is</i> more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a person wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man [who is unteachable and] wise in his own eyes <i>and</i> full of self-conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There is more hope for a fool than for someone who says, "I'm really smart!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Have you met a person who thinks he is wise? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The most stupid fool is better off than those who think they are wise when they are not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own opinion? There's more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You have seen a man wise in his own eyes, "" More hope of a fool than of him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou hast seen a man wise in his own eyes, More hope of a fool than of him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Sawest thou a man wise in his eyes? hope is for the foolish one more than for him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall be more hope of a fool than of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Have you seen a man who seems wise to himself? There will be greater hope held for the unwise than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You see those who are wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for fools than for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you see persons wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for fools than for them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If you should see a man wise in his own eyes, a fool is much better than he.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If you have seen a man that is wise in his own eyes, a fool is more useful than he.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Seest thou a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope of a fool than of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I have seen a man who seemed to himself to be wise; but a fool had more hope than he.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5358" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Similitudes and Instructions</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">11</span>As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: r&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#238;&#183;&#7791;&#257; (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">Do you see</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: &#8217;&#238;&#353; (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: &#7717;&#257;&#183;&#7733;&#257;m (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">who is wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: b&#601;&#183;&#8216;&#234;&#183;n&#257;w (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in his own eyes?</a> <a href="/hebrew/8615.htm" title="8615: tiq&#183;w&#257;h (N-fs) -- A cord, expectancy. From qavah; literally, a cord (compare qaveh); figuratively, expectancy.">There is more hope</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: li&#7733;&#183;s&#238;l (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">for a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim&#183;men&#183;n&#363; (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">than for him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>The slacker says, &#8220;A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!&#8221;&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a></span><br />Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:16</a></span><br />Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a></span><br />Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Romans 12:16</a></span><br />Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">1 Corinthians 8:2</a></span><br />The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-17</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a></span><br />To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / &#8220;Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, &#8216;God, I thank You that I am not like other men&#8212;swindlers, evildoers, adulterers&#8212;or even like this tax collector. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18</a></span><br />Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a></span><br />If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-10.htm">Isaiah 47:10</a></span><br />You were secure in your wickedness; you said, &#8216;No one sees me.&#8217; Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, &#8216;I am, and there is none besides me.&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-8.htm">Jeremiah 8:8-9</a></span><br />How can you say, &#8216;We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,&#8217; when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? / The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">Matthew 7:3-5</a></span><br />Why do you look at the speck in your brother&#8217;s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? / How can you say to your brother, &#8216;Let me take the speck out of your eye,&#8217; while there is still a beam in your own eye? / You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother&#8217;s eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">1 Timothy 6:3-4</a></span><br />If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, / he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12</a></span><br />But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-2.htm">Psalm 36:2</a></span><br />For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">See you a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.</p><p class="hdg">seest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29</a></b></br> Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean <i>men</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a></b></br> Seest thou a man <i>that is</i> hasty in his words? <i>there is</i> more hope of a fool than of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31</a></b></br> Whether of them twain did the will of <i>his</i> father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.</p><p class="hdg">a man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Proverbs 26:5,16</a></b></br> Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Proverbs 28:11</a></b></br> The rich man <i>is</i> wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a></b></br> Seest thou a man <i>that is</i> hasty in his words? <i>there is</i> more hope of a fool than of him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-5.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-20.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">observations about fools</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">about sluggards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">and about contentious busybodies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?</b><br>This phrase addresses the issue of pride and self-deception. In biblical context, wisdom is highly valued, but true wisdom comes from God (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). A person who considers themselves wise without seeking divine guidance is often blinded by arrogance. This self-perception is dangerous because it closes off the individual from learning and growth. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on humility and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. This phrase warns against the folly of self-reliance and the rejection of godly counsel, which is echoed in other scriptures such as <a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a>, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight."<p><b>There is more hope for a fool than for him.</b><br>In the wisdom literature of the Bible, a "fool" is often someone who lacks understanding or moral insight, yet there is still potential for change and redemption. The comparison here is stark; even a fool, who is typically seen as lacking wisdom, has more potential for improvement than someone who is self-satisfied in their own wisdom. This highlights the severity of pride and self-deception. Theologically, this can be connected to the concept of repentance and the openness to correction, which is a recurring theme in scripture (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, <a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a>). The New Testament also reflects this idea in <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." The hope for a fool lies in their ability to recognize their need for wisdom, whereas the self-wise are often closed to such realization.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_in_his_own_eyes.htm">The Wise in His Own Eyes</a></b><br>This refers to an individual who is self-assured in their wisdom, often to the point of arrogance. This person is contrasted with the fool, suggesting a deeper level of folly due to their self-deception.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, often making poor decisions. However, this verse suggests that even a fool has more hope than someone who is wise in their own eyes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and the pitfalls of pride are evident in this verse.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Pride blinds us to our own faults and can lead us away from God&#8217;s truth. Recognizing our limitations and seeking God&#8217;s wisdom is crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_humility.htm">The Value of Humility</a></b><br>Humility opens us to learning and growth. By acknowledging our need for God&#8217;s guidance, we position ourselves to receive true wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_for_the_humble.htm">Hope for the Humble</a></b><br>While the self-assured may be beyond correction, the humble have hope because they are open to change and instruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly assess your own attitudes and beliefs. Are you relying on your own understanding, or are you seeking God&#8217;s wisdom?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Surround yourself with wise counsel and be open to feedback. This helps prevent the isolation that can lead to being wise in your own eyes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fools.htm">What does the Bible say about fools?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proverbs_26_4-5__why_aren't_they_contradictory.htm">Proverbs 26:4-5: How can these adjacent verses not be contradictory when they offer opposite instructions on answering fools?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_26_11_clash_with_compassion.htm">Proverbs 26:11: Does comparing a fool to a dog returning to its vomit present a historical or cultural context that might clash with more compassionate teachings elsewhere?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/common_questions_about_proverbs.htm">What are common questions about proverbs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit.--</span>Comp. the warnings of <a href="/romans/12-16.htm" title="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.">Romans 12:16</a>, and <a href="/context/revelation/3-17.htm" title="Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:">Revelation 3:17-18</a>.<p><span class= "bld">There is more hope of a fool than of him.--</span>So the "publicans and harlots," who had foolishly strayed from God, yet returned to Him at the preaching of the Saviour, while the Pharisees and lawyers "rejected the counsel of God against themselves" (<a href="/luke/7-30.htm" title="But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.">Luke 7:30</a>), thinking they had no need of it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?</span> (<a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a>). Nothing so shuts the door against improvement as self-conceit. "Woe unto them," says Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a>), "that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight." Such persons, professing themselves wise, become fools (<a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a>; <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Romans 12:16</a>; <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Revelation 3:17, 18</a>). Touching conceit, <span class="accented">Qui sibi sapit</span>, <span class="accented">summe desipit</span>. The Oriental speaks of the fox finding his shadow very large, and of the wolf when alone thinking himself a lion. <span class="cmt_word">There is more hope of a fool than of him</span> (<a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a>). A fool who is conscious of unwisdom may be set right; but one who fancies himself perfect, and needing no improvement, is beyond cure; his case is hopeless. So the sinner who feels and acknowledges his iniquity may be converted; but the self-righteous Pharisee, who considers himself to have no need of repentance, will never be reformed (see Matthew <a href="/luke/15-7.htm">Luke 15:7</a>; <a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a>). St. Chrysostom (Hom. in Phil.,' 7), "Haughtiness is a great evil; it is better to be a fool than haughty; for in the one case the folly is only a perversion of intellect, but in the other ease it is still worse; for it is folly joined with madness. The fool is an evil to himself; but the haughty man is a plague to others too. One cannot be haughty-minded without being a fool... The soul which is puffed up has a worse disease than dropsy, while that which is under restraint is treed from all evil" (Oxford transl.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do you see</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1512;&#1464;&#1488;&#1460;&#1431;&#1497;&#1514;&#1464;</span> <span class="translit">(r&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#238;&#183;&#7791;&#257;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1460;&#1453;&#1497;&#1513;&#1473;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#238;&#353;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who is wise</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1495;&#1464;&#1499;&#1464;&#1443;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7717;&#257;&#183;&#7733;&#257;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his own eyes?</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1456;&#1506;&#1461;&#1497;&#1504;&#1464;&#1425;&#1497;&#1493;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#601;&#183;&#8216;&#234;&#183;n&#257;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - cdc &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">There is more hope</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1468;&#1460;&#1511;&#1456;&#1493;&#1464;&#1430;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(tiq&#183;w&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8615.htm">Strong's 8615: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cord, expectancy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1460;&#1499;&#1456;&#1505;&#1460;&#1443;&#1497;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(li&#7733;&#183;s&#238;l)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than for him.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1460;&#1502;&#1468;&#1462;&#1469;&#1504;&#1468;&#1493;&#1468;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(mim&#183;men&#183;n&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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