Proverbs 3:6
What does Proverbs 3:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 3:6 means
This verse elaborates on what it means to trust God fully: it involves acknowledging Him in every aspect of life, big or small. To 'acknowledge him' means to recognize His sovereignty, seek His will, and invite His presence and guidance in all decisions and undertakings. The profound promise is that when we do so, He will 'direct thy paths,' meaning He will make our way straight, clear obstacles, and guide us into His perfect will, preventing us from straying.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In all your ways give ear to him, and he will make straight your footsteps.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862In all thy ways know thou Him, And He doth make straight thy paths.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In all thy ways think on him, and he will direct thy steps.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will make plain thy paths.
Context
Directly following the command to trust in the Lord with all one's heart, this verse explains the practical application of that trust. It details *how* to acknowledge God in daily life and provides a powerful promise of divine guidance as a direct result. This connection between proactive trust and guaranteed direction reinforces the central theme of relying on God rather than self-reliance outlined previously.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 8:16
But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
- James 1:5
But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- Isaiah 30:21
and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
- Ezra 8:22
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them that seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
- Jeremiah 10:23
O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
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