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Proverbs 12:15
Verse
Context
Sermons
Richard Wurmbrand
Jim Cymbala
Shane Idleman
Thomas a KempisThomas a KempisSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise listeneth to counsel. Other proverbs, like Pro 16:2, say that generally the judgment of a man regarding his character does not go beyond a narrow subjectivity; but there are objective criteria according to which a man can prove whether the way in which he walks is right; but the fool knows not other standard than his own opinion, and however clearly and truly one may warn him that the way which he has chosen is the wrong way and leads to a false end, yet he obstinately persists; (Note: Vid., kindred proverbs by Carl Schulze, Die bibl. Sprichwrter der deutschen Sprache (1860), p. 50, and M. C. Wahl's Das Sprichwort in der heb.-aram. Literatur, u.s.w. (1871), p. 31.) while a wise man is not so wise in his own eyes (Pro 3:7) as not to be willing to listen to well-meant counsel, because, however careful he may be regarding his conduct, yet he does not regard his own judgment so unerring as not to be inclined ever anew to try it and let it stand the test. Ewald has falsely construed: yet whoever hears counsel is wise. In consequence of the contrast, אויל and חכם are the subject ideas, and with ושׁמע לעצה is brought forward that which is in contrast to the self-complacency of the fool, the conduct of the wise man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The way . . . eyes--The fool is self-conceited (compare Pro 12:1; Pro 1:32; Pro 10:17; Jam 3:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 finds it pleasant; and, trusting to carnal sense, corrupt reason, and a false judgment, and having a high opinion of himself and his own knowledge, never asks after the right way, nor takes the advice of others; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise; that asks advice and takes it of such who are men of age and experience, men of longer standing, and are wiser than himself; who consults the word of God about the right way of walk, worship, and salvation, and makes the testimonies of God the men of his counsel, which are able to make him wise unto salvation; who hearkens to the counsel of Gospel ministers, and obeys it; and especially to Jesus Christ the wonderful Counsellor, and to the advice he gives, Rev 3:18; and who not only hears his words, but does them; such an one is a wise man, Mat 7:24.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, 1. What it is that keeps a fool from being wise: His way is right in his own eyes; he thinks he is in the right in every thing he does, and therefore asks no advice, because he does not apprehend he needs it; he is confident he knows the way, and cannot miss it, and therefore never enquires the way. The rule he goes by is to do that which is right in his own eyes, to walk in the way of his heart. Quicquid libet, licet - He makes his will his law. He is a fool that is governed by his eye, and not by his conscience. 2. What it is that keeps a wise man from being a fool; he is willing to be advised, desires to have counsel given him, and hearkens to counsel, being diffident of his own judgment and having a value for the direction of those that are wise and good. He is wise (it is a sign he is so, and he is likely to continue so) whose ear is always open to good advice.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:15 Fools fail to realize what the wise know—that listening is the way to learn.
Proverbs 12:15
Loving Discipline and Knowledge
14By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him. 15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 2
By Richard Wurmbrand2.4K09:52PSA 34:15PSA 46:10PRO 12:15PRO 18:13PRO 19:20PRO 21:13ECC 5:2MAT 5:3JAS 1:19JAS 1:22
This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving and listening, drawing from the story of St. Louis and the significance of prayer amidst distractions. It highlights the value of listening to others' tragedies and joys before speaking, reflecting on the experience of prisoners who learned to listen during their confinement. The message encourages a posture of humility and attentiveness, prioritizing listening to God and others before speaking or preaching.
Blowing Up Your House
By Jim Cymbala1.9K41:11Christian LifePRO 11:14PRO 12:15PRO 15:22MAT 7:24MAT 19:301CO 6:182TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of analyzing and learning from the stories in the Bible, even those with unhappy endings. He emphasizes the need to seek truth and not just reinforce our existing beliefs. The sermon focuses on the story of a king who made destructive choices and lost a significant portion of his kingdom. The speaker encourages listeners to learn from negative lessons and to be open to correction and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Hearing His Voice Through Others
By Shane Idleman69253:50PRO 12:15PRO 15:22PRO 19:20PRO 28:26MAT 13:49MAT 21:28
This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's voice and applying His word to our lives. It highlights the dangers of ignoring God's voice, leading to various societal issues like suicide, broken marriages, and family discord. The need for genuine repentance, submission to godly counsel, and turning back to God's will is emphasized to avoid the consequences of rebellion and sin.
Obedience and Subjection
By Thomas a Kempis0PRO 11:2PRO 12:15ROM 13:1PHP 2:3JAS 3:17Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of humble obedience to authority, stating that it is safer to be subject than to command. He highlights that true peace of mind can only be found through wholehearted submission for the love of God, rather than from necessity. Kempis warns against seeking happiness in change and different places, as true rest can only be found in obedient humility. He encourages listeners to be open to listening to the opinions of others, even if it means setting aside their own for the sake of peace and love for God.
Prudence in Action
By Thomas a Kempis0PRO 11:14PRO 12:15PRO 18:13PRO 19:20JAS 3:5Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of not yielding to every impulse and suggestion, but rather carefully considering things in the light of God's will. He warns against speaking evil of others and encourages perfect men to be discerning and not readily believe gossip. Kempis advises against acting rashly, clinging obstinately to opinions, and spreading gossip, highlighting the wisdom in seeking counsel from wise individuals and being humble and subject to God for true wisdom and peace.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise listeneth to counsel. Other proverbs, like Pro 16:2, say that generally the judgment of a man regarding his character does not go beyond a narrow subjectivity; but there are objective criteria according to which a man can prove whether the way in which he walks is right; but the fool knows not other standard than his own opinion, and however clearly and truly one may warn him that the way which he has chosen is the wrong way and leads to a false end, yet he obstinately persists; (Note: Vid., kindred proverbs by Carl Schulze, Die bibl. Sprichwrter der deutschen Sprache (1860), p. 50, and M. C. Wahl's Das Sprichwort in der heb.-aram. Literatur, u.s.w. (1871), p. 31.) while a wise man is not so wise in his own eyes (Pro 3:7) as not to be willing to listen to well-meant counsel, because, however careful he may be regarding his conduct, yet he does not regard his own judgment so unerring as not to be inclined ever anew to try it and let it stand the test. Ewald has falsely construed: yet whoever hears counsel is wise. In consequence of the contrast, אויל and חכם are the subject ideas, and with ושׁמע לעצה is brought forward that which is in contrast to the self-complacency of the fool, the conduct of the wise man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The way . . . eyes--The fool is self-conceited (compare Pro 12:1; Pro 1:32; Pro 10:17; Jam 3:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 finds it pleasant; and, trusting to carnal sense, corrupt reason, and a false judgment, and having a high opinion of himself and his own knowledge, never asks after the right way, nor takes the advice of others; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise; that asks advice and takes it of such who are men of age and experience, men of longer standing, and are wiser than himself; who consults the word of God about the right way of walk, worship, and salvation, and makes the testimonies of God the men of his counsel, which are able to make him wise unto salvation; who hearkens to the counsel of Gospel ministers, and obeys it; and especially to Jesus Christ the wonderful Counsellor, and to the advice he gives, Rev 3:18; and who not only hears his words, but does them; such an one is a wise man, Mat 7:24.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
See here, 1. What it is that keeps a fool from being wise: His way is right in his own eyes; he thinks he is in the right in every thing he does, and therefore asks no advice, because he does not apprehend he needs it; he is confident he knows the way, and cannot miss it, and therefore never enquires the way. The rule he goes by is to do that which is right in his own eyes, to walk in the way of his heart. Quicquid libet, licet - He makes his will his law. He is a fool that is governed by his eye, and not by his conscience. 2. What it is that keeps a wise man from being a fool; he is willing to be advised, desires to have counsel given him, and hearkens to counsel, being diffident of his own judgment and having a value for the direction of those that are wise and good. He is wise (it is a sign he is so, and he is likely to continue so) whose ear is always open to good advice.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:15 Fools fail to realize what the wise know—that listening is the way to learn.