Wise in His Own Eyes

Main Idea

The lecture revolves around the danger of a person thinking that his way is right simply because it appears upright in his own eyes, while it may actually be a way of destruction. The Holy Bible repeatedly warns: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Spiritual and Educational Essence

1. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that most people trust their thoughts without examination or counsel, considering themselves wise—even children may fall into this illusion.
2. A person who is wise in his own eyes does not see his own faults but focuses on the faults of others, becoming full of criticism and judgment, whether in the Church, the family, or society.
3. This mindset leads to serious divisions: in the Church, in households, and between spouses, because each side believes it is right.
4. He gives many biblical and historical examples, such as heresies, the prodigal son, Adam and Eve, and Saul of Tarsus before his repentance, to show that error often appears correct to its owner.
5. He points out that the reasons behind this deviation include ignorance, pride, stubbornness, weakness in spiritual life, lust, bad companionship, and extremism—even in spiritual matters.
6. He warns against hastiness in executing ideas, because the thought that urges quick action is often a satanic deception.
7. The true remedy is humility, counsel, prayer, and not relying solely on personal understanding.
8. He emphasizes that the humble person doubts himself and examines his ways before God, and therefore does not see all his paths as right in his own eyes.

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