WISDOM FROM GOD – “BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES”

When we look at man, we see three distinct traits. These traits, as man sees it are good for him. However, from the biblical perspective they are the reason for our downfall and our degradation. Proverbs 3:7-8 lists the problem for us, and also gives us the solution for the same.
– “7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” – Proverbs 3:7-8

For our meditation this morning let us look at verse seven. The three human traits are as follows from Proverbs 3:7 – 1- “BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES” 2- “FEAR THE LORD” and 3- “DEPART FROM EVIL.”

1- “BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES”
Pride and self-reliance are the cornerstones of what the world calls as wisdom for a wonderful life. This is the essence of being “wise in our own eyes.” As Christians, we are called to walk counter-culture to the world and its ways. The LORD wants us, as His children, to be humble and grounded, leaning upon God, and not on ourselves. This is essence of all godly wisdom and godly way of conduct.
– “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.” – Matthew Poole
– “12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” – Proverbs 26:12
– “21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!” – Isaiah 5:21

2- “FEAR THE LORD”
Fear is the thumb rule for all human affairs. Is fear the thumb rule in the Kingdom of God too? No, certainly not. What the Bible calls as “Fear the LORD” is a different kind of fear – it is Reverential respect to the LORD; and it is not being scared and terrified of the LORD.
– “Fear the Lord, therefore, because it is the best corrective of one’s own wisdom, which engenders arrogance, pride, presumption of mind, which, moreover, is deceptive and apt to lead to sin. The fear of the Lord has this other advantage – that it leads to the departure from evil (Proverbs 16:6) It is the mark of the wise man that he fears the Lord, and departs from evil (Proverbs 14:16).” – Donald Spence Jones
– “7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7
– “12 “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes…” – Deuteronomy 10:12-13
– “13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13

3- “DEPART FROM EVIL”
Departing from evil happens only when we are wanting to obey the LORD our God. Obedience in its finest form is to depart from evil, because God says so. It has more to do with our hearts and our desire to obey the LORD, than to yield to our passions and desires.
– “Turning away from evil involves a conscious decision to reject sin and live according to God’s standards. This phrase emphasizes repentance and the active pursuit of righteousness.” – Berean Study Bible Notes
– “28 And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’” – Job 28:28
– “12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?…14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalms 34:12,14
– “13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” – James 3:13-17

What place do these three traits have in our lives?
1- “BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES” – are we being wise in our own eyes? Or are we humble and grounded in our hearts and minds?
2- “FEAR THE LORD” – do we fear the LORD out of being scared of Him, or do we fear Him in awe, wonder and reverence.
3- “DEPART FROM EVIL.” – Do we desire to depart from evil? Do we hate the worldly ways? Are our hearts willing to yield to God in obedience? Or do our hearts want to pursue our passions and desires?

May we be always found as good and faithful servants of the LORD Jesus Christ, demonstrating the above three traits for His glory. Even so, the LORD help us.