Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. – Proverbs 3:7

Solomon was clear in his instruction to his son: “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 26:12). Someone who experiences success in this world may become a know-it-all that is stubbornly unteachable, especially in the ways of the Lord. However, a thimble-full of knowledge is all that he could ever gain compared to the Creator God, about whose world humans learn new things every day.

Earlier in Solomon’s direction, he stated, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Today’s verse reinforces this with joint admonitions: don’t think too highly of yourself, fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. The first includes an ethical dimension – be concerned about and seek the good of others rather than gratifying yourself. The arrogant person may be blinded in his judgment to the extent that his evaluation of good and evil opposes God’s truth and perspective, causing those around him to suffer.

When you revere the Lord, you have a sense of awe at His greatness, His attributes, and His love for you. David expressed this thought when he said, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers… what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). Your intentional worship of the Lord draws you closer to Him, enhancing your ability to identify evil and avoid it. These joint admonitions present the sum of goodness and godliness. Pray that the people of this nation, including those in government, return to these principles.