Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:23

What does Proverbs 3:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:23 means

This verse promises secure and confident passage through life for those who embrace wisdom. To 'walk in thy way securely' means to navigate one's daily journey without fear or uncertainty. The assurance that 'thy foot shall not stumble' implies divine protection from spiritual, moral, and practical pitfalls. Wisdom provides stability and steadfastness, enabling one to move forward confidently, knowing God is guiding and protecting each step.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then you will go safely on your way, and your feet will have no cause for slipping.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then thou goest thy way confidently, And thy foot doth not stumble.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then shalt thou walk confidently in thy way, and thy foot shall not stumble:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thy foot shall not stumble;

Context

Building on the promise of life and grace in verse 22, this verse now details the practical security and stability that wisdom provides in daily life. It explicitly promises safe passage and protection from stumbling, directly addressing common anxieties. This strong assurance of security sets the tone for the subsequent verses, which further elaborate on the peace of mind and freedom from fear that wisdom brings, both day and night.

v.22So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck.

v.23This passage

v.24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 121:8

    Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and for evermore.

  • Proverbs 4:12

    When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

  • Psalms 37:31

    The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.

  • Psalms 91:11

    For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.

  • Proverbs 2:8

    That he may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of his saints.

  • Proverbs 10:9

    He that walketh uprightly walketh surely; But he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Proverbs 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Proverbs 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Proverbs 3:23.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary