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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/3-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_03_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 3:7 - Trust in the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/3-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/3-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm" title="Proverbs 3:6">◄</a> Proverbs 3:7 <a href="/proverbs/3-8.htm" title="Proverbs 3:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear Yahweh and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t consider yourself to be wise; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the LORD and stay away from evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD, and depart from evil:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not consider yourself wise. Fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own opinion. Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be not wise in thy own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes, "" Fear YHWH, and turn aside from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Be not wise in thine own eyes, Fear Jehovah, and turn aside from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not be wise in thine eyes: fear Jehovah and depart from evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Be not wise in thy own conceit: fear God, and depart from evil: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not seem wise to yourself. Fear God, and withdraw from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; revere the LORD, and depart from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not be wise in your own eyes but be in awe of LORD JEHOVAH and depart from evil<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear the LORD, and depart from evil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Be not wise in thine own conceit; but fear God, and depart from all evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/3-7.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=391" 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/3.htm">Trust in the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tə·hî (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Be</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in your own eyes;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yə·rā (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wə·sūr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">and turn away</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: mê·rā‘ (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">from evil.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></span><br />And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”<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="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6-10</a></span><br />But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. / Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Isaiah 2:11-12</a></span><br />The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-12.htm">2 Corinthians 10:12</a></span><br />We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Psalm 25:9</a></span><br />He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.</p><p class="hdg">be</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a></b></br> Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? <i>there is</i> more hope of a fool than of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a></b></br> Woe unto <i>them that are</i> wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Romans 11:25</a></b></br> For 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.</p><p class="hdg">fear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Proverbs 14:27</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>is</i> a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Proverbs 16:6</a></b></br> By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD <i>men</i> depart from evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15</a></b></br> But the former governors that <i>had been</i> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/139-19.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/150-5.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/88-18.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/119-140.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-24.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-8.htm">High</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">various exhortations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">The gain of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Exhortation to goodness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">the different state of the wicked and upright</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be not wise in your own eyes;</b><br>This phrase warns against self-reliance and pride, which are common themes throughout the Bible. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, often contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued, but it was understood that true wisdom comes from God. This echoes the warning in <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." The phrase also connects to the fall of man in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>, where Adam and Eve's desire to be wise in their own eyes led to sin. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the need for humility.<p><b>fear the LORD</b><br>The fear of the LORD is a foundational concept in the wisdom literature of the Bible. It signifies a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God, acknowledging His power and authority. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness and our dependence on Him. <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," indicating that true wisdom starts with a proper relationship with God. In the historical context, fearing the LORD was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/10-12.htm">Deuteronomy 10:12</a>, where the Israelites are commanded to fear the LORD and walk in His ways.<p><b>and turn away from evil.</b><br>Turning away from evil involves a conscious decision to reject sin and live according to God's standards. This phrase emphasizes repentance and the active pursuit of righteousness. In the biblical narrative, turning away from evil is often associated with returning to God, as seen in the calls to repentance by the prophets. The New Testament echoes this call in <a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7-8</a>, where believers are urged to submit to God and resist the devil. This turning away is also a type of Christ, who perfectly turned away from evil and lived a sinless life, providing a model for believers to follow.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>- The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal presence and relationship with His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a></b><br>- The original audience of Proverbs was the people of Israel, but its teachings are applicable to all believers seeking wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_wisdom.htm">Humility in Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom begins with recognizing our limitations and the supremacy of God's understanding. We must resist the temptation to rely solely on our intellect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the LORD</a></b><br>Fearing the Lord involves reverence, awe, and submission to His will. It is the foundation of a righteous life and leads us away from evil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/turning_from_evil.htm">Turning from Evil</a></b><br>Actively turning away from evil requires discernment and a commitment to live according to God's standards. This involves daily choices and actions that align with His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Acknowledge that our wisdom is insufficient without God's guidance. Regular prayer and study of Scripture are essential to align our thoughts with His.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_obedience.htm">Practical Obedience</a></b><br>Applying this verse means making conscious decisions that reflect God's wisdom, such as seeking godly counsel and avoiding prideful attitudes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_wisdom_differ_from_knowledge.htm">How does wisdom differ from knowledge?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_blessings_come_from_obeying_god.htm">What blessings follow from obedience to God's commands?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_godlessness.htm">What defines a godless person and godlessness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_smoking_considered_sinful.htm">Is smoking considered sinful?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.--</span>The same result is reached by Job also (<a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm" title="When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.">Proverbs 28:28</a>) in his inquiry after wisdom.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Be not wise in thine own eyes.</span> This admonition carries on the thought from the preceding verses (5, 6), approaching it from a different direction. It is a protest against self-sufficiency, self-conceit, and self-reliance. It says, in effect, "Trust in the Lord, do not trust in yourself." Wisdom, as Michaelis remarks, is to trust in God; to trust in yourself and in your own wisdom is unwisdom. God denounces this spirit: "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (<a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a>), because such a spirit leads to the prohibited self-dependence, and is inconsistent with "the tear of the Lord." The precept of the text is reiterated by St. Paul, especially in <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Romans 12:16</a>, "Be not wise in your own conceits" (cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">1 Corinthians 8:8</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a>). It commends humility. The diligent search for Wisdom is commanded. The great hindrance to all true wisdom is the thought that we have already attained it (Plumptre). <span class="accented">In thine own eyes</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in thine own estimation; <span class="accented">arbitrio tuo</span> (Trem. et Jun.). <span class="cmt_word">Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.</span> The connection of this with the first part of the verse becomes clear upon reflection. "The fear of the Lord" is true wisdom (<a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a>; <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). Fear the Lord, therefore, because it is the best corrective of one's own wisdom, which engenders arrogance, pride, presumption of mind, which, moreover, is deceptive and apt to lead to sin. The fear of the Lord has this other advantage - that it leads to the departure from evil (<a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Proverbs 16:6</a>) It is the mark of the wise man that he fears the Lord, and departs from evil (<a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a>). These precepts form the two elements of practical piety (Delitzsch), an eminent example of which as Job (<a href="/job/1-1.htm">Job 1:1</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/3-7.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 not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּהִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(tə·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</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 your own eyes;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second 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">fear</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֝הוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and turn away</span><br /><span class="heb">וְס֣וּר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·sūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from evil.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:7 Don't be wise in your own eyes (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 3:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/3-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 3:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:8" /></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>