Proverbs 12:15-16 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame.
‘The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise.’ A fool will not listen to wise counsel as will the wise.
‘The way’ [Hebrew: derek] to proceed, walk with the feet (used 13 times in Psalms 119 (verses 1, 3, 5, 14, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37, 59, 168) Here it refers to the way of God; how God instructs man to go to be saved, holy, and happy. It is the revelation of the way that God would act among men. When used for fools and sinners it shows their sinful ways that are right in their own eyes and heeds no warnings or rebukes.
‘A fool’s wrath.’ A fool will make his wrath known at once when he is offended, but a wise man will hold his peace.
‘Presently known’ – Four examples of a fool’s wrath: Jehoram (2Kin. 6:31); Jezebel (1Kin. 19:1-2); Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 3:19) and the Jews at Nazareth (Luke 4:28).
‘A prudent man’ – Four examples of prudence: Gideon (Jdg. 8:2-3); Saul (1Sam. 10:27); David (1Sam. 17:29-30) and Hezekiah (Isa. 36:21).
Living the Word 