Bible Verse

Proverbs 3:5-6

King Solomon is sharing wisdom principles for life, teaching his son (or students) how to live according to God's ways.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

— Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

— ESV

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

— KJV

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Proverbs 3 focuses on the benefits of wisdom and the importance of trusting God. This passage comes after verses emphasizing faithfulness, kindness, and the fear of the Lord.

Historical Background

Written during Israel's united kingdom period (around 950 BC), these proverbs reflect the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel and emphasize that true wisdom begins with reverence for God.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart"

Total, unwavering confidence in God. 'All your heart' means complete commitment—not partial trust mixed with self-reliance. The Hebrew word for trust (batach) implies security and confidence in God's character.

"and lean not on your own understanding"

Don't rely solely on human wisdom or logic. 'Lean' suggests putting weight on something for support. Our limited perspective shouldn't be our foundation for decisions. This doesn't negate wisdom, but subordinates it to God's revelation.

"In all your ways submit to him"

Every area of life—work, relationships, finances, decisions—should be brought before God. 'Acknowledge' (Hebrew: yada) means to know intimately, to recognize and honor God's authority in everything.

"and he will make your paths straight"

God provides guidance and direction when we trust Him. 'Make straight' means to make smooth, remove obstacles, guide rightly. This is God's promise to lead those who depend on Him.

Key Themes

Trust in GodDivine guidanceSurrender of controlWisdom versus human understandingGod's direction

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Bring every decision before God in prayer before relying on your own reasoning alone.

  2. 2

    Release your need to control outcomes and trust God's wisdom over your own understanding.

  3. 3

    Seek God's will through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel before making major decisions.

  4. 4

    Practice daily dependence on God rather than treating Him as a last resort.

  5. 5

    When facing confusion about direction, recommit to trusting God and acknowledging Him in all areas.

Questions for Reflection

  • What area of your life are you relying on your own understanding rather than trusting God?
  • How would your decisions change if you truly acknowledged God in 'all your ways'?
  • What would it look like to trust God 'with all your heart' in your current situation?
  • Are you seeking God's guidance daily, or only when facing major decisions?

Related Scripture

Psalm 37:5

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this."

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD."

James 1:5

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault."

Proverbs 16:9

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

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