Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
NIV · New International Version
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
WEB · World English Bible
Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.
What does Proverbs 16:3 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the Lord,.... Natural, civil, or religious; seek to him for strength and assistance in all, and leave the success of all with him: or "roll thy works on" or "unto the Lord" (b); devolve all upon him, cast all care upon him and his providence for supply, support, and sustenance in life; and commit the business of the salvation of thy soul, and the important affairs of it, wholly to him, who is able, willing, and faithful, to keep what is committed to him; and, having so done, may sit down easy and satisfied, as one that is rid of a burden by casting it on another, better able to bear it, or more equal to the work committed to him: the Targum is, "reveal thy works to…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 16:3
Note, 1. It is a very desirable thing to have our thoughts established, and not tossed, and put into a hurry, by disquieting cares and fears, - to go on in an even steady course of honesty and piety, not disturbed, or put out of frame, by any event or change, - to be satisfied that all shall work for good and issue well at last, and therefore to be always easy and sedate. 2. The only way to have our thoughts established is to commit our works to the Lord. The great concerns of our souls must be committed to the grace of God, with a dependence upon and submission to the conduct of that grace (Ti2 1:12); all our outward concerns must be committed to the providence of God, and to the…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 16:1–6 (WEB)
1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives. 3Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed. 4The LORD has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished. 6By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Cross references
- Psalms 37:4–5
- Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Psalms 55:22
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- 1 Peter 5:7
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
- Job 22:28
You will also decree a thing, and it will be established to you. Light will shine on your ways.
- Job 5:8
“But as for me, I would seek God. I would commit my cause to God,
- Luke 12:22
He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear.