Proverbs 28:26
Proverbs 28:26 in Multiple Translations
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways will be kept safe.
Hee that trusteth in his owne heart, is a foole: but he that walketh in wisdome, shall be deliuered.
Whoso is trusting in his heart is a fool, And whoso is walking in wisdom is delivered.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh wisely, he shall be saved.
Those who believe that what they think is always right are foolish; those who act wisely will ◄escape danger/be safe►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:26
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 28:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בּוֹטֵ֣חַ
בְּ֭/לִבּ/וֹ
ה֣וּא
כְסִ֑יל
וְ/הוֹלֵ֥ךְ
בְּ֝/חָכְמָ֗ה
ה֣וּא
יִמָּלֵֽט
בּוֹטֵ֣חַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
V-Qal
בְּ֭/לִבּ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
כְסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
וְ/הוֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Conj | V-Qal
בְּ֝/חָכְמָ֗ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Prep | N-fs
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יִמָּלֵֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
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 28:26
בּוֹטֵ֣חַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
בְּ֭/לִבּ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כְסִ֑יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
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.
וְ/הוֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Conj | V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ֝/חָכְמָ֗ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Prep | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יִמָּלֵֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:26
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
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.
27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. 28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:5 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; |
| 2 | Jeremiah 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? |
| 3 | 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.’” |
| 4 | Romans 8:7 | because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. |
| 5 | James 1:5 | Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. |
| 6 | James 3:13–18 | Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 7 | 2 Timothy 3:15 | From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. |
| 8 | Mark 7:21–23 | For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.” |
| 9 | 2 Kings 8:13 | “But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.” |
| 10 | Mark 14:27–31 | Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” But Peter kept insisting, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the others said the same thing. |
Proverbs 28:26 Summary
This verse means that when we trust only in ourselves, we are being foolish, but when we trust in God's wisdom and guidance, we will be safe. It's like the difference between trying to navigate a dark room on our own versus having a flashlight to show us the way, as seen in Psalm 119:105. By trusting in God and following His Word, we can have confidence and peace, even in uncertain times, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to trust in oneself?
Trusting in oneself means relying on one's own strength, wisdom, and abilities without considering God's guidance or providence, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where it is written to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Is it wrong to have confidence in myself?
While having confidence is not wrong, the Bible warns against self-reliance, as seen in Proverbs 28:26, and instead encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and power, as stated in Jeremiah 9:23-24.
How can I walk in wisdom and be safe?
Walking in wisdom involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, reading His Word, and obeying His commands, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105, and trusting in His sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28.
What is the difference between being confident and being self-reliant?
Being confident is having faith in God's power and promises, as seen in Philippians 4:13, whereas being self-reliant is trusting in one's own abilities without considering God's role, which is warned against in Proverbs 28:26 and Jeremiah 17:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I trusting in myself instead of God, and how can I shift my focus to trust in Him?
- What are some ways I can walk in wisdom, according to God's Word, and how can I apply them to my daily life?
- How does trusting in God's wisdom and power bring safety and security, and what are some examples from Scripture that demonstrate this?
- What are some common pitfalls of self-reliance, and how can I avoid them in my own life by trusting in God's guidance and provision?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:26
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart; who trusts to his own wit, neglecting or slighting the advice of others, and the counsel of God himself. Is a fool; and shall receive the fruit of his folly, to wit, destruction. Whoso walketh wisely, distrusting his own judgment, and seeking the advice of others, and especially of God, as all truly wise men do, he shall be delivered from those dangers and mischiefs which fools bring upon themselves; whereby he showeth himself to be a wise man.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.Ver. 26. He that trusteth to his own heart is a fool.] He that saith, Consilii satis est in me mihi: I am wise enough to order my own business, and need no advice of others, seek no success from above, - Ajax acknowledged no other God but his sword, Polyphemus but his belly, - this man is a fool, a proud fool, and he shall be sure to be hampered. But whoso walketh wisely.] Taking others into counsel, and God above all, as David: "I will hearken," saith he, "what the Lord God saith unto me." "He shall be delivered," either from trouble, or in it - either with an outward or an inward deliverance. He shall enjoy a blessed composedness, a sweet sabbath of spirit howsoever, being mediis tranquillus in undis, tranquility in the midist of the waves, as Noah was.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
(26) He that trusteth in his own heart, is confident in his own wisdom (comp. 1 Corinthians 3:18, sqq.); he will perish in his folly. But whoso walketh wisely.—Literally, in wisdom, which begins with the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 9:10), “shall be delivered” from the trouble into which the “fool” is brought by his self-confidence.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
Verse 26. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool] For his heart, which is deceitful and desperately wicked, will infallibly deceive him.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:26
The contrast between the wisdom of him who trusts in the Lord, and the folly of self-trust.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:26
26. He that trusteth — From the apparent lack of antithesis in these two proverbs (25 and 26) one might conjecture that they constituted a quatrain, with the alternate or inverted parallelisms; the
Sermons on Proverbs 28:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In 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, lea |
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Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer | In 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 |
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Hearing His Voice Through Others by Shane Idleman | 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 issu |
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Who Is the Idiot? by Jack Hyles | In 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 |
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The Heart Is Decietful and Desperately Wicked by Peter Hammond | In 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, |
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Beauty for Ashes: Part 1: Causes of Heart Wanderings by G.D. Watson | G.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 f |
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The Heart Is Deceitful and Desperately Wicked by Peter Hammond | Peter 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 |