Five times in Proverbs we are warned about the influence of our own eyes. The first warning came in chapter 3: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:7). The second warning, quoted above, shows how foolish we are to think we are always right and our own counsel is always best. Even David, the man after God’s heart, relied on good counsel. By contrast, King Amaziah started out well, but later in life he insulted God’s prophet and refused godly counsel. This led to a series of poor decisions that ultimately caused his death (2 Chr. 25:14–28).

Then the third warning declares, “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits” (Prov. 16:2). The fourth warning is similar: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts” (21:2). Frequently, we are certain that our actions and motives are pure and right; but the Lord tests our inner being. His Word exposes our thoughts and intentions as He weighs our spirits and our hearts (Heb. 4:12). Let us not resist His correction! It is spiritually healthy to receive counsel and become wise.

The fifth and last proverb in this theme says, “There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness” (Prov. 30:12). The four previous warnings were personal, but the fifth shows that this self-sufficient attitude has become a collective characteristic. Moreover, the four previous texts spoke of divine evaluation and godly counsel; but the last text gives no reference to this, as if there is simply no interest in being cleansed. If we rely upon the judgment of our own eyes, we will ultimately not even care about our own wretched condition, like those in Laodicea (Rev. 3:17). Instead, may we seek the wisdom of the Lord.