stephen R Harrison

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. – Proverbs 26:12

The phrase “wise in his own eyes” describes a person with a foolish ego. My youth pastor used to say E.G.O. was “Edging God Out”. If we consider our opinions better than everyone else’s, we will soon experience trouble. This will foolishly lead to believing we know more than God. I remember my mom’s correction every time I acted in a way that displayed a “know-it-all” attitude. She despised that kind of behavior – and so do I. Sadly, I have been that selfish person who thinks only their opinion matters and is true. At times, I thought I knew more than everyone else. One of those times was called my twenties. Others can be labeled “thirties” and “forties”. Humility and teachability are needed to be a Proverbs 26 man and have a proper view of oneself. 

Once, I was ordering in a restaurant and couldn’t help but hear a conversation happening at a nearby table. The people there were talking about a guy I knew. One said he was a “know-it-all.” Another said, “If you don’t believe me, just ask him. He’ll tell you he’s always right”. While I disapprove of talking bad about someone, they were not wrong. This guy was very arrogant. He had an opinion about everything, but to him, it was fact. He was not timid in giving his view, even if he wasn’t asked. I hate to admit it, but I sometimes avoided him because I didn’t want to hear him talk about himself!

Solomon calls those who are conceited and over-confident fools. He says they are without honor. Foolishness and honor do not go together like snow in the summer and rain in the harvest time (1). When you try to correct a fool with an ego issue, you will quickly find yourself being like him if you aren’t careful, as he is stubborn about admitting he is wrong (4). Their speech cannot be considered wise (7). Solomon contrasted honor and foolishness several times in chapter 25. Someone vain in their words cannot hold the characteristic of honor. 

Solomon says the person “wise in their own eyes” (12) is a sluggard. They are lazy because they believe the first thing that pops into their mind is the truth without verifying it. Their beliefs become the standard. This person is a “dog that returns to his vomit” (11). While everyone else can see their words are putrid, they cannot and keep “lapping up bile”. They think they are wiser than seven others (16) and meddle in quarrels not his own” (17). In other words, they know it all and must tell everyone, even those who do not ask.

A “know-it-all” man hurts others with his words and, when confronted, never takes responsibility for his actions (18). He attempts to cover his wrong by saying, “I was only joking” (19). He is a gossip, spreading lies. Take away his fuel by showing him his errors, and he has nothing else to say (20-22). His heart is malicious, but he disguises it with his lips as “advice” or “knowledge” (24). The vain man has often learned how to be charming – don’t believe a word he says because “abominations fill his heart” (25). He may be able to hide it for a short time, but the multitude of his folly will be revealed (26). The man who only wants to be right doesn’t care who he hurts (28). 

These wise words from Solomon remind us to be humble and teachable, and as James said, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Usually, I will break all three of these simultaneously. When I run my mouth too much, I don’t listen, and I usually become frustrated when others don’t want to listen to me. I remember taking a test in college. The instructor said, “Read the directions carefully, then begin”. I didn’t read the directions and answered all the questions correctly. I was confident I knew the material. I was so proud of myself. When I received a zero on the quiz, I was shocked! I neglected to read the instructions that read, “Do not answer these questions. Just turn in your paper to receive a 100”. I learned that while I might think I know all the answers, I needed to take the advice of others as it would pay off in the end. I learned my lesson that day and never omitted reading the instructions on future assignments in that class.

Questions to Ponder

1. Do you insist on having an opinion about everything? Why?
2. Why do we sometimes come across as a know-it-all?
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. Ask a trusted friend to bring to your attention when you are being egocentric. Receive their correction with humility.
2. List any areas where you may be considered arrogant.

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 8:13, 16:18; 20:24, 27:2

Prayers to Pray

Jesus, I do not want to be arrogant, prideful, or a “know-it-all”. Help keep me humble. I want to be teachable. Please help me be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger. I desire honor, not foolishness. I need your Spirit and Word to see the difference. In Jesus’ name, Amen.