Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
NIV · New International Version
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
WEB · World English Bible
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.
What does Proverbs 3:5 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,.... Not in a creature, the best, the holiest, and the highest; not in any creature enjoyment, as riches, strength, and wisdom; nor in any outward privilege, arising from natural descent and education; not in a man's self, in his own heart, which is deceitful; nor in any works of righteousness done by him; not in a profession of religion, or the duties of it, ever so well performed; not in frames, nor in graces, and the exercise of them; no, not in faith or trust itself: but in the Lord, the object of all grace, and in him only; in Jehovah the Father, as the God of nature and providence, for all temporal blessings; and as the God of all grace, for all…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 3:2–8 (WEB)
2for they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace. 3Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.
Cross references
- Psalms 37:5
- Jeremiah 17:7–8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose confidence is in the LORD.
- Proverbs 28:26
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
- Psalms 37:3
- Psalms 62:8
- Isaiah 26:3–4
You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.
- Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD, the LORD, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.”
- Psalms 37:7