3:7

The first line of this verse gives a negative command. The second line gives two positive commands. The commands are not parallel in meaning.

3:7a

Be not wise in your own eyes: This verse does not say whether the person spoken to is wise or not. It is a warning against self-confidence or pride in one’s own wisdom. Some other ways to translate this command are:

Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are (Good News Translation)
-or-
Don’t ever think that you are wise enough (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. (New Living Translation (2004))

3:7b

fear the LORD and turn away from evil: For fear the LORD, see the note on 1:7a. Some other ways to translate turn away from evil is are:

turn your back on evil (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
stay away from evil (Contemporary English Version)

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