What Does Proverbs 3:5-6 Mean?
Proverbs 3:5-6 meaning explained verse-by-verse: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge..." Original language, context & application.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
— Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
The Plain Meaning
Solomon instructs us to place complete trust in God rather than relying on our limited human wisdom. When we acknowledge God in every area of life, He promises to guide our steps.
Word Study
'Batach' means to trust with a sense of security and confidence—literally to lie face down in complete vulnerability. It's the posture of one who has thrown themselves entirely upon another's faithfulness, suggesting wholehearted dependence rather than cautious calculation.
Living It Out
Making decisions becomes clearer when we surrender our own reasoning and seek God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel. True guidance comes from wholehearted trust.
Download the Complete KJV Bible — Free PDF
All 66 books, 1,189 chapters — printable and ready to read offline.