Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 28:26

ESV Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
NIV Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
NASB One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.
CSB The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
NLT Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
KJV He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
NKJV He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

What does Proverbs 28:26 mean?

The Book of Proverbs defines wisdom as comprehension of God's truth (Proverbs 1:7). Those who reject godliness and His will are defined as "fools." The Bible strongly encourages the use of the mind (Proverbs 14:15; 18:15; Acts 17:11; Romans 12:2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 5:11–14; 1 John 4:1). Yet it cautions that the human mind must be guided by God's Spirit (Romans 12:1–2). Without submission to God, the human mind is prone to sin and depravity (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:15–19). When Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) warns that it's unwise for a man to "[trust] in his own mind," he means the arrogant, self-centered view which ignores God and puts human preferences above all else (Proverbs 3:5; 9:10; Psalm 49:20; 111:10).

James 3:13–18 contrasts worldly "wisdom" and that from God. First Corinthians 1:19 tells us God will reveal the shallowness of worldly "wisdom," and the ineffectiveness of ungodly reasoning (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18–31). Christ, the Savior, possesses "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Instead of relying on our feeble intellect for guidance, we can rely on our all-wise, all-knowing Savior. As the Good Shepherd, He leads His sheep, and it is our responsibility to follow Him (John 10:27). By following the Good Shepherd, we will avoid disaster, which so often comes from sinful choices (Proverbs 8:33; 13:13; 15:24; 18:12).
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: