Proverbs 3:7
Proverbs 3:7 in Multiple Translations
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:
Put no high value on your wisdom: let the fear of the Lord be before you, and keep yourself from evil:
Don't think you're wise—respect God and avoid evil.
Be not wise in thine owne eyes: but feare the Lord, and depart from euill.
Be not wise in thine own eyes, Fear Jehovah, and turn aside from evil.
Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Be not wise in thy own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
I Be not wise in thy own conceit: fear God, and depart from evil:
Do not be proud of being wise. Instead, revere Yahweh and turn away from doing evil.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תְּהִ֣י
חָכָ֣ם
בְּ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
יְרָ֥א
אֶת
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
וְ/ס֣וּר
מֵ/רָֽע
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
בְּ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
יְרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/ס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מֵ/רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:7
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
בְּ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְרָ֥א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/ס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מֵ/רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:7
Context — Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
6in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
7Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. 9Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 28:28 | And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
| 2 | Romans 12:16 | Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. |
| 3 | Proverbs 26:12 | Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 4 | Job 1:1 | There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:6 | By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil. |
| 6 | Isaiah 5:21 | Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 12:13 | When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. |
| 8 | Psalms 34:11–14 | Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. |
| 9 | Proverbs 14:27 | The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. |
| 10 | Romans 11:25 | I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. |
Proverbs 3:7 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 3:7, reminds us to not rely on our own understanding, but to trust in God's wisdom and guidance. It's easy to think we know what's best, but God's ways are higher than ours, as seen in Isaiah 55:9. By fearing the LORD and turning away from evil, we can live a life that honors Him and brings healing and refreshment to our lives, as promised in Proverbs 3:8. As we seek to apply this verse, we can look to other scriptures, such as Psalms 37:3, which encourages us to trust in the LORD and do good, and Proverbs 9:10, which reminds us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be wise in my own eyes?
Being wise in your own eyes, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:7, means relying on your own understanding and judgment rather than seeking God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 28:26, which says that those who trust in themselves are fools.
How can I fear the LORD in a way that pleases Him?
Fearing the LORD, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:7, means having a deep respect and reverence for God, which involves obeying His commands and trusting in His goodness, as seen in Psalms 111:10, which says that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
What kind of evil should I turn away from?
The evil mentioned in Proverbs 3:7 refers to any action or attitude that is contrary to God's will and character, such as sinful behaviors, selfish desires, and ungodly influences, as warned against in Romans 12:9, which instructs us to abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good.
How does this verse relate to my daily life?
This verse, Proverbs 3:7, is relevant to our daily lives because it reminds us to humble ourselves, seek God's wisdom, and turn away from sinful patterns, which is essential for living a life that honors God, as seen in Colossians 1:10, which encourages us to walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all things.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I trying to be wise in my own eyes, and how can I surrender those areas to God's wisdom?
- What are some evil influences or habits in my life that I need to turn away from, and what steps can I take to overcome them?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of the LORD, and what role does trust and obedience play in that process?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Proverbs 3:7 to my relationships, work, and decisions, and how can I seek God's guidance in those areas?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes,.... So as to act independently of God; not to trust in him, nor acknowledge him, nor seek to him for help and direction; nor ask nor take the advice of others; but,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Be not wise in thine own eyes (Romans 12:16): fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes; be not puffed up with vain conceit of thine own wisdom, as if that were sufficient for the conduct of all thine affairs without direction or assistance from God, or without the advice of others. Fear the Lord: this he adds, because the reverence and dread of the Divine Majesty will make a man, when he compareth himself with God, little and vile in his own eyes. Reverence God’ s wisdom, and thou wilt despise thine own.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Ver. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes.] Bis desipit qui sibi sapit. He is two fools that is wise in his own eyes. This δοκησισοφια mars all. Socrates’ s Hoc scio quod nihil scio, got him the name of the wisest among men. Consilii satis in me mihi is the proud man’ s posy. "He that would be wise, must be a fool, that he may be wise." Intus existens prohibet alienum. A conceit of wisdom bars out wisdom. Fear the Lord.] This makes a modest opinion of a man’ s self. Joseph, a man famous for the fear of God, when Pharaoh expected from him an interpretation of his dream, as having heard much of his skill, "It is not in me," said he; "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." Lo he extenuates his own gifts, and ascribes all to God.
Wherefore suddenly after, as Joseph had said to Pharaoh, "Without me shall God make answer to Pharaoh," so Pharaoh is heard say to Joseph, "Without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." So that here was exemplified that holy proverb, "By humility and the fear of the Lord, are riches, and honour, and life." The original runs thus, By humility the fear of the Lord are riches, &c. There is no and in the Hebrew. Humility and the fear of the Lord are so near akin (this being the mother of that), as if the one were predicated of the other, as if they were one and the same grace. And depart from evil.] Another effect of this "clean" fear of God, as David calleth it. Cave, spectat Cato, was a watchword among the Romans. A reverend and religious man had these words following written before him in his study, Noli peccare: Nam Deus videt, Angeli astant, Diabolus accusabit, Conscientia testabitur, Infernus cruciabit. Take heed of sin, for God seeth thee, angels stand by thee, the devil will accuse thee, thy conscience will testify against thee, and hell will torture thee. But besides all this, "there is mercy with God that he may be feared"; and "the children of Israel shall fear the Lord and his goodness." Arachne apud Ovid. Metamor, lib. vi.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
(7) Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.—The same result is reached by Job also (Proverbs 28:28) in his inquiry after wisdom.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:7
7. The first clause of this verse in the rendering of the LXX., φρόνιμοςπαρὰσεαυτῷ, is quoted by St Paul, Romans 12:16.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:7
The great hindrance to all true wisdom is the thought that we have already attained it.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:7
7. This is in substance a repetition of the fifth verse, with members transposed, thus giving the sentiment emphasis. Compare Romans 12:16, last clause.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
War on Earth - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the manifestations and effects of demonic influence in our lives, such as anger, defilement, torture, compulsion, enslavement, and weakness. It emphasizes t |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the danger of falling away from the faith by being deceived by spirits, highlighting the importance of humility and a pure heart in understanding divine wisd |
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The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom by Peter Hammond | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of turning away from God and not fearing Him. He uses the example of the current situation in Zimbabwe, where the lack of ac |
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Holy Communion - His Body and Blood by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of Holy Communion, inviting the congregation to surrender fully to Jesus and experience His healing presence. He highlights the power |
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Separated Unto God by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgent call for believers to separate themselves from compromise and darkness, urging the church to live as children of light. He draws parallels from |
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Directions for Hating Sin by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of knowing God and being affected by His attributes, as sin's malignity is relative to its offense against God. He emphasizes the need |
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Is the Bible an "Iffy" Book? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the question of whether the Bible is an 'iffy' book, emphasizing that it contains conditional promises from God, where our choices have consequences. He hig |