Proverbs 28.26
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”
The question that confronts every person is: Who rules in your heart? Do you trust God and his wisdom? Have you made Jesus the Lord of your life, and do you obey his commandments? Oris your life directed by self and personal preference?
This proverb says that the foolish person makes the fatal mistake of trusting in their own thoughts, feelings, and impulses. Their arrogance promotes self and fuels a defiance that rejects God’s standards.
The wise person, on the other hand, trusts God and seeks to live in alignment with the Lord’s standards. Like all people, the wise person has preferences, but they subordinate their preferences to God’s principles and precepts.
This is the same message that was communicated earlier in one of the most oft-quoted passages in the book of Proverbs:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3.5-8)
Arrogance is dangerous. And because we tend to be self-oriented, arrogance is easy to fall into. We all have a tendency to be “right in our own eyes.” However, we must understand—as the book of Proverbs teaches—that arrogance is the way of a fool, whereas humility is the way of wisdom.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11.2)
The word for pride is the Hebrew zadon. It refers to arrogance and self-centered ego that rejects God’s standards and authority. This kind of hubris is marked by an inflated sense of personal authority (“I am in charge of things around here.”), a rebellious disobedience (“I don’t have to listen to you!”) and willful selfishness (“It’s my life. I can do what I want.”).
Zadon is the spirit of our time. Many people live and work in willful disregard for God’s standards and principles. They act not on the basis of timeless truth, but on the basis of personal preference and popular narrative.
It is so tempting to put confidence in your own thoughts and opinions, especially when you “feel strongly” about something. But the bottom line is this: Don’t believe everything you think. Be humble and weigh your thoughts and opinions against the truth of God’s word. Don’t fall into the arrogance trap.
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4.6
More tomorrow …
