Proverbs 3:7 kjv

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:7 nkjv

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:7 niv

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

Proverbs 3:7 esv

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:7 nlt

Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 7 Meaning

Proverbs 3:7 succinctly instructs believers to resist self-reliance and intellectual arrogance. It commands humility before God, recognizing that true wisdom does not originate from one's own perceptions or understanding, but from reverential awe and submission to the Almighty. This humble, God-fearing posture naturally leads to a deliberate turning away from moral evil and a commitment to righteousness.

Proverbs 3 7 Context

Proverbs chapter 3 serves as a paternal instruction to a "son," emphasizing foundational principles for living a flourishing and God-honoring life. Following the powerful exhortations to trust in the Lord completely (Proverbs 3:5-6) rather than one's own understanding, verse 7 pivots to the specific attitudes that prevent true wisdom and hinder divine guidance. It directly counters human self-sufficiency, a tendency to rely on personal intellect or pride prevalent in both ancient and modern societies, and implicit polemics against self-styled "wise men" or spiritual charlatans of the era. The verses that follow (Proverbs 3:8-10) offer specific benefits and blessings derived from obeying this humble, God-fearing posture, connecting obedience to well-being and prosperity.

Proverbs 3 7 Word analysis

• Do not be wise in your own eyes:

  • "wise" (חָכָם - chakham): Implies a person who deems themselves shrewd, capable, or intellectually superior, especially regarding moral and spiritual matters, without relying on God. It's often used positively for true wisdom but here signifies a misguided self-perception.
  • "in your own eyes" (בְּעֵינֶיךָ - b'einekha): An idiomatic expression meaning "in your own estimation," "in your own judgment," or "according to your own standard." It denotes pride, arrogance, and self-conceit, where one's own reasoning or perspective is seen as sufficient or superior. This attitude leads to closing oneself off from divine instruction. It is a state of intellectual independence from God.

• fear the Lord:

  • "fear" (יְרָא - y'ra): Not a trembling dread or terror, but a profound reverence, awe, respect, and humble submission to God's authority, holiness, and power. This 'fear' produces obedience and shapes one's perspective, aligning it with God's. It's an active, relational respect that acknowledges God's supremacy.
  • "the Lord" (יְהוָה - YHWH): Refers to the covenant God of Israel, the personal, holy, and transcendent Creator. Fearing Him means recognizing His unique position as the source of all wisdom and truth.

• and shun evil:

  • "shun" (וְסוּר - v'sur): Means to turn away, depart from, avoid, or leave behind. It signifies a decisive, deliberate action to disengage from wickedness. This isn't merely passive avoidance but an active commitment to separate oneself from anything morally wrong.
  • "evil" (מֵרָע - mera): Refers to anything that is morally bad, harmful, or contrary to God's will. It encompasses wicked acts, corrupting influences, and destructive behaviors.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord": This forms a stark contrast. The first clause identifies the root sin – intellectual pride and self-sufficiency. The second offers the divine antidote – humble reverence for God. This connection emphasizes that true wisdom cannot exist where self-exaltation reigns. Turning away from pride enables one to properly "fear the Lord."
  • "fear the Lord and shun evil": These two phrases are intrinsically linked and represent cause and effect. A genuine "fear of the Lord" naturally manifests as a hatred for evil and an active pursuit of righteousness. One cannot truly revere God while willfully embracing evil. Piety is thus inseparable from practical ethics and moral living. The depth of one's reverence for God is revealed in their diligence in departing from evil.

Proverbs 3 7 Bonus section

The wisdom described in this proverb is not abstract philosophical knowledge but practical discernment for daily living. Self-reliance often manifests in neglecting God's commands or dismissing biblical counsel when it conflicts with personal desires or logical conclusions. The verse implies that wisdom, when truly sought from God, is ultimately redemptive and restorative (as hinted in Prov 3:8). The pride of "being wise in one's own eyes" can extend beyond intellect to self-righteousness, believing oneself to be inherently good or moral without God's standard, thereby hindering repentance and true transformation. Conversely, a genuine "fear of the Lord" establishes the bedrock for all good conduct and makes one teachable by divine instruction.

Proverbs 3 7 Commentary

Proverbs 3:7 serves as a foundational ethical and spiritual instruction. It asserts that intellectual humility is not merely a virtue, but a prerequisite for spiritual understanding and a life aligned with God's will. When individuals consider themselves self-sufficient in wisdom, they shut off the channel for divine guidance, leading to erroneous judgments and ultimately, destruction. True wisdom begins with acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and moral authority.

This posture of reverential "fear" (awe and obedience, not terror) towards the Lord inevitably translates into practical righteousness. One cannot truly honor God while simultaneously clinging to wickedness. The "shunning" of evil is an active and deliberate turning away, a continuous moral separation, rather than a passive avoidance. This comprehensive command underpins the entire wisdom tradition: spiritual humility breeds reverence for God, and reverence for God manifests as a transformed, morally upright life. This truth guides decisions, influences behavior, and secures divine favor, as detailed in the verses immediately following this instruction.