Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Read it in contextExhortations to Wisdom and Trust
Start reading at Proverbs 3:1 (Proverbs 3:1 to Proverbs 3:35).
The entire chapter forms a continuous discourse of fatherly instruction to a 'son' on the importance of wisdom, trust in the LORD, and righteous living.
3:1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
3:2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3:3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
3:4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
3:6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
3:8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
3:9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
3:10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
3:11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
3:12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
3:13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
3:14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
3:15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
3:16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
3:17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
3:19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
3:20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
3:21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
3:22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
3:23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
3:24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
3:25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
3:26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
3:27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
3:28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
3:29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
3:30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
3:31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
3:32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
3:33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
3:34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
3:35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 1:1–9:18): The teacher or parent addresses a son or pupil; Wisdom and the opposing seductive voices are personified within the instruction. These speeches train hearers rather than narrate a gathering of every person used as an example. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is an exhortation to trust in the LORD completely with one's whole heart, rather than relying on one's own limited understanding. It emphasizes seeking and valuing divine wisdom, which leads to a blessed life of peace, safety, and prosperity. stated in the text
What is God revealing? God is revealing His nature as utterly trustworthy and the ultimate source of true wisdom and direction. He reveals that human understanding is insufficient on its own and that true blessing comes from humble dependence on Him and obedience to His commandments. stated in the text
What is the literary style? The literary style is wisdom literature, presented as fatherly instruction and moral exhortation, characterized by short, pithy sayings and extended discourses on the benefits of wisdom. book background
When
When was it written? The book of Proverbs was written between approximately 950 and 700 B.C. book background
When does the event take place? The instructions and principles presented in this passage are timeless wisdom, not tied to a specific historical event. interpretation
Where
Where did it happen? The instructions are general principles for life and are not tied to a specific geographical event. interpretation
Where was the author located? The author, primarily Solomon, was located in Jerusalem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Exhortations to Wisdom and Trust (Proverbs 3:1 to Proverbs 3:35).
Start reading at Proverbs 3:1. The entire chapter forms a continuous discourse of fatherly instruction to a 'son' on the importance of wisdom, trust in the LORD, and righteous living.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Proverbs 3:5 is a central command within a larger discourse (Proverbs 3:1-35) that urges the 'son' to embrace and live by divine wisdom. It serves as a foundational principle, preceding and underpinning other exhortations to keep God's law (3:1), practice mercy and truth (3:3), acknowledge God in all ways (3:6), fear the LORD (3:7), honor Him with substance (3:9), and value wisdom above all else (3:13-22). Trusting the LORD is presented as the prerequisite for receiving His direction and blessings. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? Christ is the embodiment of God's wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 2:3). To 'trust in the LORD with all thine heart' and not lean on one's own understanding ultimately points to trusting in God's perfect plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, recognizing the inadequacy of human reason or works to achieve righteousness. Christ is also presented as the true 'tree of life' (Revelation 2:7, Revelation 22:2), fulfilling the imagery of wisdom being a 'tree of life' in Proverbs 3:18. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Today, believers are called to place their complete faith and confidence in God's character, His Word, and His guidance, rather than relying on their own limited intellect, worldly perspectives, or personal feelings. This means seeking His will through prayer and Scripture, obeying His commands even when they seem counter-intuitive, and humbly acknowledging His sovereignty in all aspects of life, trusting that He will direct their paths. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.