Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 3:6
“In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
NIV · New International Version
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
WEB · World English Bible
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
What does Proverbs 3:6 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him,.... Or "know him" (l); the Lord: set him before thee; have him always in view; consider him as ever present with thee, observing every step thou takest; and take not one step without his leave, and without his advice; ask wisdom of him who gives liberally; consult his word, and make the Scriptures thy counsellors, or the men of thy counsel, as in Psalm 119:24; take him as your guide; observe the footsteps of his providence; follow the Lamb wheresoever he goes; walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit; when things go cross and adverse, and not to your mind, submit to his sovereignty; and be still and know that he is God, that does all things right, for…
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 3:1–6
By prayer (Pro 3:6): In all thy ways acknowledge God. We must not only in our judgment believe that there is an over-ruling hand of God ordering and disposing of us and all our affairs, but we must solemnly own it, and address ourselves to him accordingly. We must ask his leave, and not design any thing but what we are sure is lawful. We must ask his advice and beg direction from him, not only when the case is difficult (when we know not what to do, no thanks to us that we have our eyes up to him), but in every case, be it ever so plain, We must ask success of him, as those who know the race is not to the swift.
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 3:3–9 (WEB)
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. 9Honor the LORD with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase;
Cross references
- Proverbs 16:3
Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.
- Psalms 32:8
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
- Jeremiah 10:23
LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
- James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
- Isaiah 30:21
and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”
- Isaiah 48:17
The LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.