Proverbs 28:26

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a mindset for the right path of life:

Proverbs 28:26 (NASBStr)

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26 (ESV)

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Perhaps before we discuss this proverb we ought to remember an earlier one written by Solomon:

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In both of these proverbs we have a major theme Solomon is communicating with his son (and us).   There are two roads we can travel.  One is filled with disaster and confusion and strife, even though it is painted with flowers, rainbows and good feelings.  Those who access this road think they are on the road to fortune and fame and end up in disaster and ruin.   The on-ramp for this road is the ramp of the flesh.     The other road before is the road entered by faith.  It has bumps and suffering and trials but, in the end, is filled with promise, blessing and joy.   We enter that road by the fear of The Lord.   That fear in "The Lord," gives us wisdom.  That wisdom allows us to walk wisely.   When we lean to our own understanding (our own mindset) we lack wisdom.  Our own mindset is made up of our own arguments, thoughts and limited perspective and the early imprints of our lives ... good or bad.  It is only God who can give us true understanding about life.   When we walk wisely (in the Fear of The Lord) we can know and be confident we will be delivered from the things of life.   God is in the way of wisdom.  When we follow the Spirit of God He gives us wisdom to change our the thoughts of our mind and to make the right choices and God honoring decisions.