Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly. New Living Translation Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors. English Standard Version The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. Berean Standard Bible The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. King James Bible The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. New King James Version The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. New American Standard Bible A lazy one is wiser in his own eyes Than seven people who can give a discreet answer. NASB 1995 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer. NASB 1977 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer. Legacy Standard Bible The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can respond with a discreet answer. Amplified Bible The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes Than seven [sensible] men who can give a discreet answer. Christian Standard Bible In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven who can answer sensibly. Holman Christian Standard Bible In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven men who can answer sensibly. American Standard Version The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason. Contemporary English Version A lazy person says, "I am smarter than everyone else." English Revised Version The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. GOD'S WORD® Translation A lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven people who give a sensible answer. Good News Translation A lazy person will think he is smarter than seven men who can give good reasons for their opinions. International Standard Version The lazy person is wiser in his own opinion than seven men who can give an appropriate response. Majority Standard Bible The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. NET Bible The sluggard is wiser in his own estimation than seven people who respond with good sense. New Heart English Bible The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer with discretion. Webster's Bible Translation The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. World English Bible The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer with discretion. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWiser [is] the slothful in his own eyes, "" Than seven [men] returning a reason. Young's Literal Translation Wiser is the slothful in his own eyes, Than seven men returning a reason. Smith's Literal Translation The slothful one is wise in his eyes more than seven turning back a reason. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that speak sentences. Catholic Public Domain Version The lazy one seems wiser to himself than seven men speaking judgments. New American Bible In their own eyes sluggards are wiser than seven who answer with good judgment. New Revised Standard Version The lazy person is wiser in self-esteem than seven who can answer discreetly. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men with good reasoning. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The lazy one is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who make sense. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men that give wise answer. Brenton Septuagint Translation A sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who most satisfactorily brings back a message. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Similitudes and Instructions…15The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. 17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.… Cross References Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 21:2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. Ecclesiastes 10:3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. Isaiah 5:21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Jeremiah 8:8-9 How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? / The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have? Romans 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” James 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. James 3:13-17 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ... Matthew 7:26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 23:24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Treasury of Scripture The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. Proverbs 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Jump to Previous Able Conceit Discreet Discreetly Discretion Eyes Good Hater Reason Render Returning Seems Seven Slothful Sluggard Wise Wiser WorkJump to Next Able Conceit Discreet Discreetly Discretion Eyes Good Hater Reason Render Returning Seems Seven Slothful Sluggard Wise Wiser WorkProverbs 26 1. observations about fools13. about sluggards 17. and about contentious busybodies The slacker is wiser in his own eyes This phrase highlights the self-deception and pride often found in those who are lazy or unwilling to work. In biblical context, laziness is frequently condemned (Proverbs 6:6-11, Proverbs 24:30-34). The slacker's self-perception is skewed, as he believes himself to be wise despite his lack of diligence and productivity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of pride leading to downfall (Proverbs 16:18). The slacker's self-assessment contrasts with the biblical call to humility and reliance on God's wisdom (James 1:5). than seven men who answer discreetly Persons / Places / Events 1. The SluggardA recurring character in Proverbs, representing laziness and a lack of diligence. The sluggard is often depicted as someone who avoids work and responsibility, preferring ease and comfort over effort and productivity. 2. Seven Men Symbolic of completeness or perfection in wisdom. In the context of this verse, these men represent those who possess discernment and the ability to provide wise counsel. 3. Solomon Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His insights into human behavior and the consequences of folly are central to the teachings in Proverbs. Teaching Points The Danger of Self-DeceptionThe sluggard's self-perception is skewed; he believes himself to be wise despite his lack of action. This serves as a warning against the danger of self-deception and the importance of self-awareness. Value of Wise Counsel The verse contrasts the sluggard with those who answer discreetly, highlighting the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel. It encourages believers to surround themselves with godly advisors. Diligence as a Virtue Laziness is not just a personal flaw but a spiritual issue. Diligence is a virtue that reflects a commitment to stewardship and responsibility, aligning with God's design for work and productivity. Humility in Wisdom True wisdom is marked by humility and a willingness to learn from others. The sluggard's arrogance blinds him to his own shortcomings, while the wise are open to correction and growth.(16) Seven men.--A round number. (Comp. Proverbs 26:25; Proverbs 6:31; Proverbs 24:16.) That can render a reason--i.e., give a sensible judgment on any matter submitted to them. Verse 16. - The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit. The sluggard is here one who is too idle to think a matter out, and considers his own cursory view as sure to be right. He is one who deems study to be an unnecessary weariness of the flesh (Ecclesiastes 12:12), and flatters himself that he is quite able without it to give a satisfactory account of any question presented to him. Than seven men that can render a reason. "Seven" is the number of completeness (comp. Proverbs 6:31; Proverbs 9:1; Proverbs 24:16). The idle fool sets more value by his own judgment than by the sense of any number of wise men. Revised Version margin, "that can answer discreetly," is perhaps nearer the Hebrew, which implies the being able to return a wise and proper answer to anything asked of them. The LXX. reading a little differently, renders, "Wiser seems a sluggard to himself than one who in satiety (ἐν πλησμονῇ) brings back a message." This is explained to mean that a sluggard thinks himself wise in not helping a neighbour with an errand or a message, though he would have probably been repaid with a good dinner for his kindness.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The sluggardעָצֵ֣ל (‘ā·ṣêl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6102: Sluggish, lazy [is] wiser חָכָ֣ם (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise in his own eyes בְּעֵינָ֑יו (bə·‘ê·nāw) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain than seven men מִ֝שִּׁבְעָ֗ה (miš·šiḇ·‘āh) Preposition-m | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number who answer מְשִׁ֣יבֵי (mə·šî·ḇê) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again discreetly. טָֽעַם׃ (ṭā·‘am) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2940: A taste, perception, intelligence, a mandate Links Proverbs 26:16 NIVProverbs 26:16 NLT Proverbs 26:16 ESV Proverbs 26:16 NASB Proverbs 26:16 KJV Proverbs 26:16 BibleApps.com Proverbs 26:16 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 26:16 Chinese Bible Proverbs 26:16 French Bible Proverbs 26:16 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own (Prov. 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