Proverbs 3:5
What does Proverbs 3:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:5 means
This is a pivotal command, urging absolute reliance on the Lord rather than self-sufficiency. 'Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart' means committing one's entire being—emotions, will, intellect, and future—to God's sovereign care. Conversely, 'lean not upon thine own understanding' warns against overconfidence in personal intellect or plans, which are inherently limited and fallible, often leading to missteps when not aligned with divine wisdom and guidance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Put all your hope in God, not looking to your reason for support.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Trust unto Jehovah with all thy heart, And unto thine own understanding lean not.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thy own prudence.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Confide in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own intelligence;
Context
This verse marks a significant shift, moving from specific moral virtues to the foundational principle of absolute trust in God. It forms the core of the chapter's teaching on reliance upon the Lord, preceding the promise of guidance in the subsequent verse. It is a vital transition, emphasizing that all human efforts and virtues must be underpinned by a complete dependence on divine wisdom and providence, not human cleverness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
- Psalms 37:3
Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.
- Psalms 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, Nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
- Psalms 37:5
Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.
- Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
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