Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:15, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
American Standard Version
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.
World English Bible version
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
Proverbs 12:15 Meaning & Commentary
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advise. Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)
Throughout Proverbs, we often see a contrast between a fool and a wise man. We see yet another contrast here in Proverbs 12:15. A foolish person is right in their own eyes – meaning that they see no “fault” or “wrong” in who they are or what they do. A wise man, on the other hand, listens to advice. There is wisdom to be found with certain people: Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
The implication in Proverbs 12:15 is that a fool will not receive advice but rather shun it because they feel they are right in their own eyes. It is very ignorant to think that we know it all and cannot receive advice or wisdom from others: Proverbs 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. The Bible says that if someone isolates themselves, they break out against all good judgment – that sounds like something a fool would do.
Fools have an attitude and a mentality that they do not need anyone and are always right. A fool can often be seen in isolation because they are always right in their eyes and do not need advice, counsel, or help from anyone – this is a dangerous place to be. Being surrounded by the right people and listening to advice can do two primary things.
Firstly – it can protect us: Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety. Secondly – it can help us become a better person: Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. As we choose to listen to advice from others and humble ourselves, we will find godly success in life.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:15 to our lives?
The first thing we need to do is to humble ourselves: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Foolishness and humility are not usually found in the same sentence. A foolish person who thinks they are always right is the opposite of a humble person!
We should never be in a place where we need God or the circumstances of life to humble us. The Bible commands us to humble ourselves. Wisdom is found in humility: Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
When we surround ourselves with people who can challenge and help us and maintain an attitude of humility, we set ourselves up for great success: Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. This scripture not only teaches that walking with the wise causes us to become wise, but also that the companion of fools will suffer harm. This essentially means that whatever those people around us are – we become like them, whether they are wise or fools. So, we need to surround ourselves with wise people to tap into their wisdom and advice: Proverbs 10:13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
We know that wisdom comes from God, and if we ask Him for wisdom, he will give it to us: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
However, as we see in Proverbs 10:13 – wisdom can also come through other people. Humility and surrounding ourselves with godly people is a great place to grow in Christ and turn away from all forms of foolishness in our lives.
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You for Your Word, which shows me the path to wisdom and success. I humble myself before you today and turn from all forms of foolishness in my life. I pray and ask for wisdom today.
Surround me with people who can help me become a better person and impart wisdom into my life. I chose to turn from foolishness and set my heart and mind on you today. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
