The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.
Ver. 15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.] He thinks his own wit best. Consilii satis est in me mihi; a he will not part with his commonwealth of baubles for the Tower of London. And such a fool is every natural man; Job 11:12 wise enough, haply, in his generation - so is the fox too; - wise with such a wisdom as, like the ostrich's wings, makes him outrun others upon earth, and in earthly things, but helps him never a whit towards heaven - nay, hinders him, and hangs in his light, as it fared with the Pharisees. Mat 21:31 Of such it may be said, as Quintilian said of some conceited, presumptuous, and arrogant of themselves, that they might have proved excellent scholars if they had not been so persuaded already. So might many have been wise if they had not been conceited by their own wisdom, and saved if not too well persuaded of their good estate to Godward. They clasp and hug the barn b of their own brain, with the ape, till they strangle it.
“ At parit ut vivat regnetque beatus.
Cogi posse negat. ” - Hor., Ephesians 2:1,22 .
But he that hearkeneth to counsel is wise.] He that, suspecting his own judgment, takes advice from those wiser than himself, seldom miscarries. There is that self-love in many, that they think their molehill a mountain, their kestril an eagle, their goose a swan. And, being self-conceited, they love to be flattered. Not so the wise man; he knows that humanum est errare, to error is human, and that triste mortalitatis privilegium est licere aliquando peccare. It is a sad privilege of mortals to be permitted to sin at any time. He is therefore glad of good counsel, and thankful for a seasonable reproof. "Let the righteous smite me."
a Arachne ap. Ovid.
b [Bairn, - child.]