King James Version
What Does Proverbs 26:12 Mean?
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
Context
10
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. The great: or, A great man grieveth all, and he hireth the fool, he hireth also transgressors
11
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. returneth to his folly: Heb. iterateth his folly
12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14
As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit.—**Comp. the warnings of Romans 12:16, and Revelation 3:17-18.
**There is more hope of a fool than of him.—**So the “publicans and harlots,” who had foolishly strayed from God, yet returned to Him at the preaching of the Saviour, while the Pharisees and lawyers “rejected the counsel of God against themselves” (Luke 7:30), thinking they had no need of it.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Proverbs 26:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Proverbs 26:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge