Proverbs 12:15
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
There is a lot going on in these few words.
"The Way," refers to the road, the path, the direction. The way of the fool is not exactly the same as a foolish act, a foolish step. While
it is possible for a person who is walking in THE WAY OF WISDOM to make
a foolish STEP, it is also possible for that person to turn, return to
the path of righteousness immediately.
However, the person that takes a wrong step, a
foolish step, has taken the first step in the wrong way. The wrong step
is a deadly step. The wrong step can be either limited or far
reaching in its immediate impact. A wrong thought, word or deed has its
own immediate result. But a wrong step, regardless of its immediate
influence can be abandoned.
The fool has not simply taken a wrong step. The fool has made his way of life wrong
"The way of the fool is right in his own eyes." I am amazed when I see a
person reject the way of wisdom, the way of truth, the way of life, the
way of love, the way of holiness.
But then I realize that person is deluded by his own lies. He believes himself to be going in the right direction.
This is because he is proud, and blind and protective of his perceived
self worth, self orientation, self dependence. He doesn't want counsel,
instruction, authority in his life.
The Bible tells us,
Proverbs 14:12
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
This is the way of the fool. It is the fool who
thinks that his own way is right and therefore he does not seek counsel,
he does not heed counsel, he does not want counsel and in his own eyes,
he does not need counsel.
There are times when the fool seems to accept
counsel, instruction, but that is usually because he thinks the counsel
will help him reach his own goals, rather than aligning himself with
God's plan.
There are times when the way of the fool is systemic and not simply personal. I believe we are in one of those periods of time. Actually, the last days will be days of systemic, generational, regional foolishness, deception and confusion.
Proverbs 30:11-14
11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth
as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from
among men.
God specifically tells us not to be wise in our own eyes.
Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
The wise man profits from good counsel.
Proverbs 14:16
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
The person who listens to, who heeds sound counsel is
wise. It is not enough that a person "accidentally" hears good counsel
or deliberately listens to and receives good counsel. The wise person,
the truly godly person actually hungers and thirsts for good counsel. The godly person searches for wisdom, instruction, counsel, as for a treasure.
It is a sad reality when people search for earthly
treasure, worldly wisdom, passing fulfillment, fading glory rather than
investing in eternal truth and spiritual treasure. Set your eyes on that which God values, such as wisdom, knowledge, understanding, godliness.
Proverbs 2:1-9
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
Proverbs 3:13-18
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Proverbs 16:16-20
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
