Of Trust and Wisdom

Proverbs 28:26

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

The proverb does not equate trusting in one's own mind with wisdom. Then in whom or what should we trust? Are we not to think for ourselves? We are to develop the ability to do our own thinking, but that very skill entails listening to others and knowing who to trust. The wise person listens to the counsel of others, especially those whom he knows to be knowledgeable and discerning. He has to make his own decision, but he does so in the context of having listened well. More to the point for Christians is that the wise person will listen carefully to God's Word. It is Scripture that he trusts foremost.

This is all in direct contrast to the modern perspective that one ought to follow one's heart regardless of what others are saying or is acceptable teaching passed down. Such a perspective is foolish, for it leads a person to trust in his small knowledge and in his feelings, both of which are insufficient and even dangerous.

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, trusting God to know what is best. It grows with reliance on one's fellow man, both past and present, to share knowledge and wisdom. Trusting God and cooperating with one's neighbor will provide deliverance through the trials and challenges of life. To trust only in one's self is the way of folly that leads to downfall.