Proverbs 26:12
Proverbs 26:12 in Multiple Translations
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
Have you seen a man who seems to himself to be wise? There is more hope for the foolish than for him.
Have you seen a man who is wise in his own eyes? There's more hope for stupid people than for him!
Seest thou a man wise in his owne conceite? more hope is of a foole then of him.
Thou hast seen a man wise in his own eyes, More hope of a fool than of him!
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall be more hope of a fool than of him.
God can help/bless foolish people more easily than he can help/bless people who are not wise [RHQ], but think that they are wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:12
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 26:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָאִ֗יתָ
אִ֭ישׁ
חָכָ֣ם
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
תִּקְוָ֖ה
לִ/כְסִ֣יל
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
רָאִ֗יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
תִּקְוָ֖ה
tiqvâh
H8615
cord
N-fs
לִ/כְסִ֣יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Prep | Adj
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
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 26:12
רָאִ֗יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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/עֵינָ֑י/ו
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.
תִּקְוָ֖ה
tiqvâh
H8615
"cord"
N-fs
In Hebrew, this word for hope means a cord that attaches or expectancy, like waiting for something to happen. It appears in the Bible as a feeling of expectation or a thing someone longs for. The KJV translates it as hope or expectation.
Definition: cord
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: expectation(-ted), hope, live, thing that I long for. See also: Joshua 2:18; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 9:19.
לִ/כְסִ֣יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:12
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
10Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.
11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!” 14As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:20 | Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 3:18–19 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 26:5 | Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes. |
| 4 | Romans 12:16 | Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:11 | A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. |
| 6 | Revelation 3:17 | You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. |
| 7 | Proverbs 3:7 | Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
| 8 | Luke 18:11 | The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. |
| 9 | Matthew 21:31 | Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first, ” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. |
| 10 | Proverbs 26:16 | The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. |
Proverbs 26:12 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of thinking we are wiser than we really are. When we think we know it all, we can become proud and unwilling to listen to others or learn from our mistakes, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. But the good news is that we can change and become wiser by seeking guidance from others and being humble, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:2 and James 1:5. By recognizing our limitations and weaknesses, we can open ourselves up to feedback and guidance, and become more wise and humble, as seen in the example of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be wise in one's own eyes?
To be wise in one's own eyes, as mentioned in Proverbs 26:12, means to have a self-inflated view of one's own wisdom and understanding, often leading to a lack of humility and a resistance to correction or advice from others, as seen in Proverbs 12:1 and Proverbs 15:32.
Is it possible for a fool to change and become wise?
According to the Bible, yes, it is possible for a fool to change and become wise, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, which emphasize the importance of fearing the Lord and seeking wisdom, and as seen in the example of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24.
Why is there more hope for a fool than for someone who is wise in their own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool because they may be more aware of their lack of wisdom and be more open to correction and guidance, whereas someone who is wise in their own eyes may be too proud to listen to others or seek help, as warned in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 10:12.
How can we avoid being wise in our own eyes?
We can avoid being wise in our own eyes by cultivating humility, seeking feedback and guidance from others, and recognizing our limitations and weaknesses, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:2 and James 1:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be wise in my own eyes, and how can I humbly seek correction and guidance from others?
- How can I balance confidence in my abilities with humility and a recognition of my limitations?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be resisting correction or advice from others, and how can I open myself up to feedback and guidance?
- What does it mean to fear the Lord and seek wisdom, and how can I apply this to my daily life, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit,.... Or "in his own eyes" (b); as multitudes may be seen, by looking round; man is a creature but of small knowledge in things natural, civil, mechanical,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
A man wise in his own conceit; who, being a fool, thinks himself wise, and therefore scorneth the counsels of others. There is more hope of a fool; of doing good to one who is a fool, and sensible of his folly, and ready to receive instruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
Proverbs 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.Ver. 12. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?] This foolish wise man, or wise foolish man (for whether of the two to call him I know not, as the chronicler saith of Sir Thomas Moore), is that "dog" spoken of in verse Proverbs 26:11, that forethinks not the evil that followeth upon his returning to his filthy vomit, which, being made much worse by the heat of the sun and open air, maketh him much more sick than before he had been. Similarily, the witless wicked man, insensible of the evil of his way, and highly conceited thereof, goes boldly on, till there be neither hope of better nor place of worse. See my Common Place of Arrogance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
(12) Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit.—Comp. the warnings of Rom 12:16, and Revelation 3:17-18. There is more hope of a fool than of him.—So the “publicans and harlots,” who had foolishly strayed from God, yet returned to Him at the preaching of the Saviour, while the Pharisees and lawyers “rejected the counsel of God against themselves” (Luke 7:30), thinking they had no need of it.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:12
12. Wise… conceit — Many hard things have been said of “the fool” in this book.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Philippians 2:5-11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the humility and obedience of Christ, emphasizing how Jesus, being in the form of God, willingly emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant, h |
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(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve |
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(2006 Conference) 3.controlling Our Tongue by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the balance needed in various areas of our lives. It highlights the dangers of being imbalanced, focusing on sma |
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Open Ears-Closed Mouth by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of being attentive to the Word of God, as true faith arises from hearing and accepting it. He points out the irony that while all creation ob |
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Revelation and Reason by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast dif |
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8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humilit |
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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 |