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Proverbs 28:26
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The following proverb assumes the בטח of the foregoing: (Note: We take the opportunity of remarking that the tendency to form together certain proverbs after one catchword is found also in German books of proverbs; vid., Paul, Ueber die urspr. Anord. von Friedanks Bescheidenheit (1870), p. 12.) 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But he that walketh in wisdom shall escape. From the promise in the second line, Hitzig concludes that a courageous heart is meant, but when by itself לב never bears this meaning. He who trusteth in his own heart is not merely one who is guided solely "by his own inconsiderate, defiant impulse to act" (Zckler). The proverb is directed against a false subjectivity. The heart is that fabricator of thoughts, of which, as of man by nature, nothing good can be said, Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21. But wisdom is a gift from above, and consists in the knowledge of that which is objectively true, that which is normatively godlike. הלך בּחכמה is he who so walks that he has in wisdom a secure authority, and has not then for the first time, when he requires to walk, need to consider, to reckon, to experiment. Thus walking in the way of wisdom, he escapes dangers to which one is exposed who walks in foolish confidence in his own heart and its changeful feelings, thoughts, imaginations, delusions. One who thoughtlessly boasts, who vainly dreams of victory before the time, is such a person; but confidence in one's own heart takes also a hundred other forms. Essentially similar to this proverb are the words of Jer 9:22., for the wisdom meant in 26b is there defined at Jer 9:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 3:6-8). walketh wisely--that is, trusting in God (Pro 22:17-19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool,.... Since the thoughts and imaginations of the thoughts of the heart are only evil, and that continually; they are vain and vague, sinful and corrupt; the affections are inordinate, the conscience defiled, the understanding darkened, and the will perverse; there is no good thing in it, nor any that comes out of it, but all the reverse; it is deceitful and desperately wicked: he must be a fool, and not know the plague of his heart, that trusts in it; and even for a good man to be self-confident, and trust to the sincerity of his heart, as Peter did, or to the good frame of the heart, as many do, is acting a foolish part; and especially such are fools as the Scribes and Pharisees, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others, when a man's best righteousness is impure and imperfect, and cannot justify him in the sight of God; it is moreover a weak and foolish part in men to trust to the wisdom and counsel of their heart, to lean to their own understanding, even it, things natural and civil, and not to ask wisdom of God, or take the advice of men, and especially it, things religious and sacred; see Pro 3:5; but whoso walketh wisely; as he does who walks according to the rule of the divine word; who makes the testimonies of the Lord his counsellors; who consults with his sacred writings, and follows the directions of them; who walks as he has Christ for his pattern and example, and makes the Spirit of God his guide, and walks after him, and not after the flesh; who walks with wise men, and takes their advice in all matters of moment, not trusting to his own wisdom and knowledge; who walks as becomes the Gospel of Christ, and in all the ordinances of it; who walks inoffensively to all men, and so in wisdom towards them that are without, and in love to them who are within; who walks circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time; he shall be delivered; he shall be delivered from the snares of his own deceitful heart, which he will not trust; and from the temptations of Satan; and from all afflictions and troubles he meets with in the way; and from a final and total falling away; and from eternal death and destruction: "he shall be saved", as some versions render it, even with an everlasting salvation. The Targum is, "he shall be protected from evil.''
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The character of a fool: He trusts to his own heart, to his own wisdom and counsels, his own strength and sufficiency, his own merit and righteousness, and the good opinion he has of himself; he that does so is a fool, for he trusts to that, not only which is deceitful above all things (Jer 17:9), but which has often deceived him. This implies that it is the character of a wise man (as before, Pro 28:25) to put his trust in the Lord, and in his power and promise, and to follow his guidance, Pro 3:5, Pro 3:6. 2. The comfort of a wise man: He that walks wisely, that trusts not to his own heart, but is humble and self-diffident, and goes on in the strength of the Lord God, he shall be delivered; when the fool, that trusts in his own heart, shall be destroyed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:26 The one who walks in wisdom listens to the advice of others; those who trust their own insight show themselves foolish.
Proverbs 28:26
The Boldness of the Righteous
25A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Time to Do Nothng but Trust
By David Wilkerson16K1:01:39Trust1SA 13:13PSA 37:5PRO 3:5PRO 28:26ISA 26:3JER 17:7ROM 15:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, leading to a seemingly hopeless situation. However, God was testing Jonathan's faith and reliance on Him in the midst of this crisis. Despite the odds, Jonathan chose to trust in God rather than rely on his own wisdom and strength. The sermon emphasizes the importance of approaching challenges with faith and dependence on God, rather than relying on our own abilities.
Gv on Proverbs
By George Verwer96037:36ProverbsPRO 14:12PRO 15:1PRO 15:18PRO 16:24PRO 16:28PRO 28:26JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use it as a weapon against temptation, just as Jesus did. The speaker also emphasizes the need for peace and integrity in our actions, citing the verse "There's a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death." He concludes by reminding the audience that their time belongs to God and should be used wisely for eternal purposes, rather than wasting it on idle activities.
Hearing His Voice Through Others
By Shane Idleman69253:50PRO 12:15PRO 15:22PRO 19:20PRO 28:26MAT 13:49MAT 21:28This 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.
Who Is the Idiot?
By Jack Hyles54637:01PRO 28:26MAT 6:33LUK 2:49ROM 10:1EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about an old man who has painted and cleaned his house in hopes of selling it. However, when potential buyers come, they reveal that they actually plan to tear down the house and build a new one. The preacher uses this story to illustrate how people often misunderstand God's plan for salvation. He emphasizes that God has already paid for our salvation through Jesus' death on the cross, and all we need to do is trust in Him. The preacher encourages the listeners to focus on the needs of others and the work of Christ, rather than being self-centered.
The Heart Is Decietful and Desperately Wicked
By Peter Hammond19441:10HeartPRO 28:26JER 17:5MRK 10:181JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the existence of objective truth and reality. He argues that without the God of the Bible, rationality, logic, and intelligent design would not be possible. The preacher also discusses the concept of love, distinguishing between biblical love, which is characterized by selflessness, sacrifice, and integrity, and the world's sentimentality and emotionalism. He challenges the belief that only material and economic change can bring about social transformation, asserting that only regenerated lives and transformed hearts can truly change society for the better. Additionally, the preacher addresses the misconception that people are inherently good, highlighting the need for self-evaluation in light of God's commandments. He cautions against trusting one's own emotions and emphasizes the importance of following God's word, will, and worship as the measure of one's life.
Confidence ("Cast Not Away Your Confidence" - "Confidence by the Faith of Him")
By Hans R. Waldvogel1Confidence In GodFaithPSA 37:5PRO 28:26ISA 40:31ROM 4:202CO 1:9EPH 3:12PHP 4:132TI 1:12HEB 10:351JN 5:14Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence in God rather than in ourselves or worldly things, which are ultimately unreliable. He warns against the folly of trusting in our own hearts and encourages believers to draw near to God with boldness and confidence through faith in Jesus Christ. Waldvogel reminds us that true confidence comes from recognizing our weakness and relying on the Living God who raises the dead. He urges the congregation to cast away any confidence that is not rooted in Christ, as it is only through Him that we can find strength and assurance. The sermon concludes with a call to hope and trust in God's faithfulness, reinforcing that our confidence in Him will lead to great rewards.
The Heart Is Deceitful and Desperately Wicked
By Peter Hammond1PRO 28:26ECC 9:3ISA 1:18JER 17:5MRK 7:21MRK 10:18ROM 8:37TIT 2:11JAS 4:71JN 1:8Peter Hammond preaches about the dangers of trusting in man and the deceitfulness of the human heart, emphasizing the need to trust in the Lord for true blessings and security. He highlights the wickedness that resides in the hearts of men, as described in the Bible, and warns against the lies of the age that promote self-righteousness and false beliefs. The sermon also touches on the importance of acknowledging our faults, the possibility of transformation through God's grace, and the victories that can be achieved against all odds with God on our side.
On the Deceitfulness of the Human Heart
By John Wesley0Deceitfulness of the HeartHuman Nature and SinPSA 139:23PRO 28:26JER 17:9MAT 15:19ROM 3:102CO 5:17GAL 5:19EPH 4:22JAS 1:141JN 1:8John Wesley addresses the deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart, emphasizing that it is inherently corrupt and self-deceiving. He critiques the notion that humanity is fundamentally virtuous, arguing instead that the heart is 'desperately wicked' and 'deceitful above all things,' leading to a myriad of sins and moral failures. Wesley warns against trusting in one's own heart, as it is prone to deception, and calls for reliance on God's understanding and guidance to truly know oneself. He highlights the necessity of divine grace for transformation and the importance of self-examination in the pursuit of righteousness.
The Month Which He Had Devised
By F.B. Meyer0Divine GuidanceTrusting God's Timing1KI 12:33PSA 37:5PRO 3:5PRO 28:26ECC 3:1ISA 55:8JER 10:23MAT 26:39JHN 5:19ROM 12:2F.B. Meyer emphasizes the dangers of acting on personal expediency, as illustrated by Jeroboam's decision to set up idol-gods to maintain his rule, which ultimately led to his downfall. He warns against devising plans from our own hearts without seeking God's guidance, highlighting that true wisdom lies in waiting for God's timing and following His will. Meyer contrasts Jeroboam's actions with those of Jesus, who consistently sought to align His actions with the Father's will. The sermon calls for believers to make God's will their guiding star and to trust in His divine plan rather than their own understanding.
How Do You Respond to Personal Slander?
By Conrad Murrell0PSA 7:1PSA 118:8PRO 28:26ROM 8:311PE 2:23Conrad Murrell preaches on Psalm 7, where David, facing slander and persecution, puts his trust in God for deliverance. The psalmist's example challenges us to seek God's vindication rather than relying on human defense when falsely accused. He acknowledges his vulnerability and dependence on God for deliverance, recognizing that without God, there is no one to rescue him. David's willingness to consider the possibility of truth in the accusations teaches us the importance of self-reflection and correction in the face of criticism, leading to a deeper trust in the Lord amidst rejection.
The Real Work of Examination
By Bryan Anthony0PSA 139:23PRO 28:26AMO 5:14AMO 5:24JHN 5:391CO 11:282CO 13:5HEB 4:12JAS 1:23Bryan Anthony preaches on the importance of self-examination in the faith, highlighting how earthly comparisons and pursuits hinder true spiritual growth. He emphasizes the need for individuals to examine themselves in the light of the Scriptures, seeking to reflect the character of Christ in truthfulness, boldness, meekness, and kindness. Anthony stresses that God reveals the hidden areas of our character over time, urging believers to allow God to work in them for His purpose and to courageously look inwardly for self-awareness.
Beauty for Ashes: Part 1: Causes of Heart Wanderings
By G.D. Watson0PRO 16:18PRO 28:261CO 10:12GAL 6:7EPH 4:271TH 5:6HEB 3:12JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 2:15G.D. Watson preaches about the various causes of backsliding, emphasizing the importance of recognizing human frailty, imperceptible inroads of Satan, the dangers of looking upon forbidden things, self-management, taking undue liberties, self-confidence, being spoiled by earthly kindness, luxurious living, presumption, focusing on difficulties, harshness of spirit, and lightness of spirit as factors that can lead to a decline in grace and spiritual bondage.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The following proverb assumes the בטח of the foregoing: (Note: We take the opportunity of remarking that the tendency to form together certain proverbs after one catchword is found also in German books of proverbs; vid., Paul, Ueber die urspr. Anord. von Friedanks Bescheidenheit (1870), p. 12.) 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But he that walketh in wisdom shall escape. From the promise in the second line, Hitzig concludes that a courageous heart is meant, but when by itself לב never bears this meaning. He who trusteth in his own heart is not merely one who is guided solely "by his own inconsiderate, defiant impulse to act" (Zckler). The proverb is directed against a false subjectivity. The heart is that fabricator of thoughts, of which, as of man by nature, nothing good can be said, Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21. But wisdom is a gift from above, and consists in the knowledge of that which is objectively true, that which is normatively godlike. הלך בּחכמה is he who so walks that he has in wisdom a secure authority, and has not then for the first time, when he requires to walk, need to consider, to reckon, to experiment. Thus walking in the way of wisdom, he escapes dangers to which one is exposed who walks in foolish confidence in his own heart and its changeful feelings, thoughts, imaginations, delusions. One who thoughtlessly boasts, who vainly dreams of victory before the time, is such a person; but confidence in one's own heart takes also a hundred other forms. Essentially similar to this proverb are the words of Jer 9:22., for the wisdom meant in 26b is there defined at Jer 9:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 3:6-8). walketh wisely--that is, trusting in God (Pro 22:17-19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool,.... Since the thoughts and imaginations of the thoughts of the heart are only evil, and that continually; they are vain and vague, sinful and corrupt; the affections are inordinate, the conscience defiled, the understanding darkened, and the will perverse; there is no good thing in it, nor any that comes out of it, but all the reverse; it is deceitful and desperately wicked: he must be a fool, and not know the plague of his heart, that trusts in it; and even for a good man to be self-confident, and trust to the sincerity of his heart, as Peter did, or to the good frame of the heart, as many do, is acting a foolish part; and especially such are fools as the Scribes and Pharisees, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others, when a man's best righteousness is impure and imperfect, and cannot justify him in the sight of God; it is moreover a weak and foolish part in men to trust to the wisdom and counsel of their heart, to lean to their own understanding, even it, things natural and civil, and not to ask wisdom of God, or take the advice of men, and especially it, things religious and sacred; see Pro 3:5; but whoso walketh wisely; as he does who walks according to the rule of the divine word; who makes the testimonies of the Lord his counsellors; who consults with his sacred writings, and follows the directions of them; who walks as he has Christ for his pattern and example, and makes the Spirit of God his guide, and walks after him, and not after the flesh; who walks with wise men, and takes their advice in all matters of moment, not trusting to his own wisdom and knowledge; who walks as becomes the Gospel of Christ, and in all the ordinances of it; who walks inoffensively to all men, and so in wisdom towards them that are without, and in love to them who are within; who walks circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time; he shall be delivered; he shall be delivered from the snares of his own deceitful heart, which he will not trust; and from the temptations of Satan; and from all afflictions and troubles he meets with in the way; and from a final and total falling away; and from eternal death and destruction: "he shall be saved", as some versions render it, even with an everlasting salvation. The Targum is, "he shall be protected from evil.''
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The character of a fool: He trusts to his own heart, to his own wisdom and counsels, his own strength and sufficiency, his own merit and righteousness, and the good opinion he has of himself; he that does so is a fool, for he trusts to that, not only which is deceitful above all things (Jer 17:9), but which has often deceived him. This implies that it is the character of a wise man (as before, Pro 28:25) to put his trust in the Lord, and in his power and promise, and to follow his guidance, Pro 3:5, Pro 3:6. 2. The comfort of a wise man: He that walks wisely, that trusts not to his own heart, but is humble and self-diffident, and goes on in the strength of the Lord God, he shall be delivered; when the fool, that trusts in his own heart, shall be destroyed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:26 The one who walks in wisdom listens to the advice of others; those who trust their own insight show themselves foolish.