Proverbs 26:12 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Proverbs 26:12

Comments

Of course self-conceit is an aspect of foolishness, but Solomon separates the two so that he can focus on the peculiar evil of this form of foolishness. He invites us to reflect on the nature and the predictable behaviour of such a person – he is bound to act in character! What is particularly dangerous about self-conceit is that it so effectively blocks any self-examination, which must be the start of any process of correction. It is unwilling to even consider the possibility that it is in error, for it will not allow that thought to enter its mind. It has a deep bias in favour of self which thrusts away any criticism without checking to see if it is justified. The gate is barred at the first point of entry of any serious self-reflection. But unless the person can see what they are and what they have done, and unless they can pass judgment on themselves, God cannot speak to the heart, for the ears are blocked. Solomon raises the matter of hope and it is not necessary for him to say that the position of the fool if he remains in his foolishness is hopeless. There is hope only if we repent, if we abandon our foolish ways, if we sincerely turn to God, and humble ourselves before him. Humility is distasteful to the self-conceited man because it undermines the chief principle of his life. To admit fault may involve us acknowledging that others are more righteous than we are; if there has been conflict between us, this means that we must give them the victory, which pride is reluctant to do. Instead we search for reasons why they are disqualified. Admitting fault certainly means conceding that we are sinned against God. There is more hope for a fool than for someone with this affliction, because not every form of foolishness includes self-conceit. Some may have insight into their foolishness and this leads to a sense of shame, which in their case may be the pathway to recovery. Of course foolishness must be forsaken, but the one who is blind to his condition will never come for help and will fight off all uninvited attempts to cure him as insults and affronts. Self-conceit brings not so much blindness as hallucination of righteousness.

Application

How can the self-conceited man be cured? God must intervene and often in a most forceful way to bring him low, to burst the bubble of pride and cause what is a most painful reappraisal of his person and character. He must be ready to lose much that he thought was valuable but which turns out to be worthless. The rich must become poor, the mighty must become weak, the respected must be ashamed, and the wise must become foolish which is what they really are. Those who preach the gospel to the self-conceited cannot always deal gently with them. The proud man needs to hear an authoritative message from God telling him what he really is and at first the news will be most unwelcome. Let us double check for pride in ourselves just because it is so hard to detect and is so easy to be deceived about. If we get any clue that it is lurking in us, we must follow that indication up, for it may be that a great deal of self-conceit is skilfully hiding itself within us.

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Proverbs 26:12 Commentary and Bible Study