Ethics and Religion Talk: Why is it Wrong to Trust in Oneself?

Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds:

Oxford Languages Online defines “proverb” as “a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice” (https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/). What advice or wisdom does Proverbs 28:26 provide?

I posit the reference has nothing to do with trusting oneself. One must never place oneself as the center and source of truth because that belongs to God.

Confidence in oneself and one’s abilities is an admirable trait. I find solace in knowing that I need not depend solely on myself. God is with me and providing the stability to keep me going.

The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds:

This wise proverb contradicts what our society is promoting today. Today’s society is promoting the power of Self in every possible way. Yet, relying on self proves to be the game of fools. We don’t always see the full picture and our emotions can cloud our discernment. The Bible warns us against relying too much on our own abilities, intelligence, gifts, and talents. The truth is that if we trust in our abilities and intelligence to guide us in all we do, we will become fools. A wise person will always acknowledge that they don’t know everything and will be willing to learn. Humility will help us to seek God and trust Him and his ways so that we may succeed in all that we do. According to the Bible dependence on the Lord and the fear of the Lord will deliver us and protect us even from ourselves.   

Rev. Salvatore Sapienza, the Senior Pastor at Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ in Saugatuck/Douglas, responds:

In the most recent English translation of the Bible (known as The Message Bible), Proverbs 28:26 is translated as: “If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure. Real survivors learn wisdom.” In other words, it’s the “know-it-alls” who are fools.

Knowledge and wisdom are two very different things. Knowledge is acquired from outside sources, from teachers and books. The Latin word for education, however, means “to draw forth what is within.” Knowledge is an “outside in” process, whereas wisdom is more of an “inside out” process.

I know religious “know-it-alls” who have theological degrees and can quote scripture backwards and forwards, but that does not necessarily mean they possess spiritual wisdom. 

“Know-it-alls” believe they have the answer, not just for themselves but for everyone, but the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, once said: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”​

Proverbs 28:26, therefore, is instructing us not to put our trust solely on the knowledge we’ve acquired from others, but rather to attune ourselves more fully to the Divine Wisdom which is within us and allow that to be our guide. 

Fred Stella, the Pracharak (Outreach Minister) for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, responds:

I’m going to assume that this might be taken to mean that if we are led by our own whims and attractions we are sure to make disastrous decisions in our personal lives. But if we are led by the dictates of our scriptures and religious leaders we are sure to succeed in life.

A Hindu interpretation of this would agree that our more selfish, sense driven attributes tend to take command of our lives when allowed. And religions tell us that we are to trust them when it comes to making our moral and ethical decisions. I am assuming that many read this passage from this standpoint. While institutional religions can be very helpful in this regard, remember that they have also misguided us on many things. Our treatment of women, slavery, legal systems, sexuality, social hierarchy and other important issues have been perversely impacted by spiritual authorities.When we look back on our human history, we often shudder at what has passed for “wisdom.”

One of the goals of the pious Hindu is to come to a point where the heart is so full of love for God, and true inner wisdom is established, that we are able to rely on our deepest and most honest realizations as to how to live our lives. 

Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds:

Oh, this is a challenging, even dangerous passage to apply quickly and without historical and literary consideration.What is meant by ‘mind’ in this passage? What is meant by ‘wisdom’ or ‘walk’ or ‘delivered’. Who is the passage originally intended for? Proverbs is full of ancient world one line zingers which serve to guide the young, imparting wisdom, advice, and direction. This passage does NOT mean that I can never trust my God-given brain and intellect as if my intellect and God’s will are polar opposites. 

The Message Bible (Eugene Petersen) renders this passage 

“If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure;
     real survivors learn wisdom from others.”

In other words, my decisions, actions and beliefs are not always right! If I have a tough decision to make, a mess to get out of, it’s best to seek the opinions of those whom I respect, weigh their guidance with my preliminary decisions and my best estimation of God’s direction in the world and in my life, and proceed. 

The Reverend Colleen Squires, minister at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, responds:

Unitarian Universalists have many ways of believing, one primary way is to follow our own hearts and minds. Many of us tend to question religious authority. This proverb would be difficult for us to believe and follow. 

This column answers questions of Ethics and Religion by submitting them to a multi-faith panel of spiritual leaders in the Grand Rapids area. We’d love to hear about the ordinary ethical questions that come up in the course of your day as well as any questions of religion that you’ve wondered about. Tell us how you resolved an ethical dilemma and see how members of the Ethics and Religion Talk panel would have handled the same situation. Please send your questions to [email protected].