Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes,.... Whether it be the way of open profaneness, or self-righteousness, it appears to him to be the right way; it seems to him a very plain one, and he

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes - (Proverbs 3:7; Job 32:1; Isaiah 5:21; Luke 18:11.) But he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

The way of a fool, the counsel and course which his own mind suggests to him in ordering of his affairs, is right in his own eyes; highly pleaseth him, so that he neglects and despiseth the opinions and advices of others. He that hearkeneth unto counsel; that distrusteth his own judgment, and seeketh counsel from others.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.Ver. 15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.] He thinks his own wit best. Consilii satis est in me mihi; he will not part with his commonwealth of baubles for the Tower of London. And such a fool is every natural man; wise enough, haply, in his generation - so is the fox too; - wise with such a wisdom as, like the ostrich’ s wings, makes him outrun others upon earth, and in earthly things, but helps him never a whit towards heaven - nay, hinders him, and hangs in his light, as it fared with the Pharisees. Of such it may be said, as Quintilian said of some conceited, presumptuous, and arrogant of themselves, that they might have proved excellent scholars if they had not been so persuaded already. So might many have been wise if they had not been conceited by their own wisdom, and saved if not too well persuaded of their good estate to Godward. They clasp and hug the barn of their own brain, with the ape, till they strangle it. “ At parit ut vivat regnetque beatus. Cogi posse negat. ” - Hor., Ephesians 2:1-22. But he that hearkeneth to counsel is wise.] He that, suspecting his own judgment, takes advice from those wiser than himself, seldom miscarries. There is that self-love in many, that they think their molehill a mountain, their kestril an eagle, their goose a swan. And, being self-conceited, they love to be flattered. Not so the wise man; he knows that humanum est errare, to error is human, and that triste mortalitatis privilegium est licere aliquando peccare. It is a sad privilege of mortals to be permitted to sin at any time. He is therefore glad of good counsel, and thankful for a seasonable reproof. "Let the righteous smite me." Arachne ap. Ovid. [Bairn, - child.]

15. he that hearkeneth … is wise] Rather, he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel, R.V. (εἰσακούειδὲσυμβουλίαςσοφός, LXX.; qui autem sapiens est audit consilia, Vulg.), in contrast to the fool, who thinks his own way must be right.

15. Way of a fool — A fool is so self-conceited that he takes no advice. A wise man relies not on his own judgment alone in matters of importance. Compare Proverbs 3:5-7; Job 32:1; Isaiah 5:21; Luke 18:11.