Proverbs 3:5
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Were "kindness and truth" (Pro 3:3) understood only in relation to men, then the following admonition would not be interposed, since it proceeds from that going before, if there the quality of kindness and truth, not only towards man, but also towards God, is commended: 5 Trust in Jahve with thy whole heart, And lean not on thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, And He will make plain thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jahve, and depart from evil. 8 Health will then come to thy navel, And refreshing to thy bones. From God alone comes true prosperity, true help. He knows the right way to the right ends. He knows what benefits us. He is able to free us from that which does us harm: therefore it is our duty and our safety to place our confidence wholly in Him, and to trust not to our own judgment. The verb בּטח, Arab. baṭḥ, has the root-meaning expandere, whence perhaps, by a more direct way than that noted under Psa 4:6, it acquires the meaning confidere, to lean with the whole body on something, in order to rest upon it, strengthened by על, if one lean wholly - Fr. se reposer sur quelqu'un; Ital. riposarsi sopra alcuno, - like השּׁען with אל, to lean on anything, so as to be supported by it; with על, to support oneself on anything (Fl.). דעהוּ (the same in form as שׂאהוּ, Num 11:12) is not fully represented by "acknowledge Him;" as in Ch1 28:9 it is not a mere theoretic acknowledgment that is meant, but earnest penetrating cognizance, engaging the whole man. The practico-mystical דעהוּ, in and of itself full of significance, according to O. and N.T. usage, is yet strengthened by toto corde. The heart is the central seat of all spiritual soul-strength; to love God with the whole heart is to concentrate the whole inner life on the active contemplation of God, and the ready observance of His will. God requites such as show regard to Him, by making plain their path before them, i.e., by leading them directly to the right end, removing all hindrances out of their way. ארחתיך has Cholem in the first syllable (vid., Kimchi's Lex.). (Note: In the st. constr. Pro 2:19, and with the grave suff. Pro 2:15, ǒ instead of ō is in order; but Ben-Asher's ארחתי, Job 13:27, cf. Job 33:11, is an inconsistency.) "Be not wise in thine own eyes" is equivalent to ne tibi sapiens videare; for, as J. H. Michaelis remarks, confidere Deo est sapere, sibi vero ac suae sapientiae, desipere. "Fear God and depart from evil" is the twofold representation of the εὐσέβεια, or practical piety, in the Chokma writings: Pro 16:6, the Mashal Psa 34:10, Psa 34:15, and Job 28:28 cf. Pro 1:2. For סר מרע, the post-biblical expression is ירא חטא. Pro 3:8 The subject to תּהי; (it shall be) is just this religious-moral conduct. The conjectural reading לבשׂרך (Clericus), לשׁרך = לשׁארך (Ewald, Hitzig), to thy flesh or body, is unnecessary; the lxx and Syr. so translating, generalize the expression, which is not according to their taste. שׁר, from שׁרר, Arab. sarr, to be fast, to bind fast, properly, the umbilical cord (which the Arabs call surr, whence the denom. sarra, to cut off the umbilical cord of the newborn); thus the navel, the origin of which coincides with the independent individual existence of the new-born, and is as the firm centre (cf. Arab. saryr, foundation, basis, Job, p. 487) of the existence of the body. The system of punctuation does not, as a rule, permit the doubling of ר, probably on account of the prevailing half guttural, i.e., the uvular utterance of this sound by the men of Tiberias. (Note: See my work, Physiologie u. Musik in ihrer Bedeutung fr Grammatik besonders die hebrische, pp. 11-13.) לשׁרּך here, and שׁרּך at Eze 16:4, belong to the exceptions; cf. the expanded duplication in שׁררך, Sol 7:3, to which a chief form שׁרר is as little to be assumed as is a הרר to הררי. The ἅπ. γεγρ. רפאוּת, healing, has here, as מרפּא, Pro 4:22; Pro 16:24, and תּרוּפה, Eze 47:12, not the meaning of restoration from sickness, but the raising up of enfeebled strength, or the confirming of that which exists; the navel comes into view as the middle point of the vis vitalis. שׁקּוּי is a Piel formation, corresponding to the abstract Kal formation רפאוּת; the Arab. saqâ, used transit. (to give to drink), also saqqâ (cf. Pu. Job 21:24) and asqâ, like the Hebr. השׁקה (Hiph. of שׁקה, to drink); the infin. (Arab.) saqy means, to the obliterating of the proper signification, distribution, benefaction, showing friendship, but in the passage before us is to be explained after Job 21:24 (the marrow of his bones is well watered; Arnheim - full of sap) and Pro 15:30. Bertheau and Hitzig erroneously regard Pro 3:8 as the conclusion to Pro 3:7, for they interpret רפאות as the subject; but had the poet wished to be so understood, he should have written וּתהי. Much rather the subject is devotion withdrawn from the evil one and turned to God, which externally proves itself by the dedication to Him of earthly possessions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Trust . . . heart--This is the center and marrow of true wisdom (Pro 22:19; Pro 28:25). The positive duty has its corresponding negation in the admonition against self-confidence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,.... Not in a creature, the best, the holiest, and the highest; not in any creature enjoyment, as riches, strength, and wisdom; nor in any outward privilege, arising from natural descent and education; not in a man's self, in his own heart, which is deceitful; nor in any works of righteousness done by him; not in a profession of religion, or the duties of it, ever so well performed; not in frames, nor in graces, and the exercise of them; no, not in faith or trust itself: but in the Lord, the object of all grace, and in him only; in Jehovah the Father, as the God of nature and providence, for all temporal blessings; and as the God of all grace, for all spiritual blessings, and all the needful supplies of grace; and for eternal happiness, which he has provided, promised, and freely gives. Trust in him at all times; in times of affliction, temptation, and darkness: there is a great deal of reason for it; all power and strength are in him to help; his love, grace, and mercy, move him to it, and are always the same: the consideration of what he has done for others that have trusted in him, and for ourselves in times past, should induce and encourage to it; as also the happiness of those that trust in him, who enjoy peace and safety; and his displeasure at those that show any diffidence of him, or distrust him. Trust in Jehovah the Son; in his person for acceptance; in his righteousness for justification; in his blood for pardon; in his fulness for supply; in his power for protection and preservation; and in him alone for salvation and eternal life. Trust in Jehovah the Spirit, to carry on and finish the work of grace upon the heart; of which a saint may be confident that where it is begun it will be completed. And this trust in Father, Son, and Spirit, should be "with all the heart", cordial and sincere. The phrase denotes not so much the strength of faith as the sincerity of it; it signifies a faith unfeigned; it is not saying, or professing, that a man believes and trusts in the Lord; but it is with the heart, and with his whole heart, that he believes unto righteousness, if he believes aright; see Rom 10:10; and lean not unto thine own understanding; or trust not to that; for it stands opposed to trusting in the Lord. Men should not depend upon their own wisdom and understanding, in the conduct of civil life, but should seek the direction and blessing of Providence, or otherwise will meet with disappointment; and, when they succeed, should ascribe it not to their own prudence and wisdom, but to the goodness of God; for "bread" is not always "to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding", Ecc 9:11; and much less should men lean to their own understanding in matters of religion; a natural man has no understanding of spiritual things, of the things of the Gospel, nor indeed any practical understanding of things moral, Rom 3:11, Jer 4:22. The understanding of man is darkened by sin; yea, is darkness itself; it is like the first earth, covered with darkness, till light is let into it, and therefore not to be leaned unto and depended on, Eph 4:18. There is a necessity of a new heart and spirit, of an understanding to be given, in order to understand spiritual and divine things, Eze 36:26; for though these are not contrary to the reason and understanding of men; yet they are above them, and cannot be discovered, reached, comprehended, and accounted for by them, Mat 16:17. Nay, there are some things in the Gospel, which, though plain to an enlightened understanding by the word of God, yet the manner how they are cannot be apprehended: as the doctrines of a trinity of Persons; of the generation of the Son of God; the procession of the Spirit; the union of the two natures in Christ; the resurrection of the dead, &c. In short, not our reason and understanding at best, and much less as carnal and unsanctified, but the word of God only is our rule of judgment, and the standard of our faith and practice; and to that we should have recourse and be directed by it, and not lean to our own understandings.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5-6 On the path of wisdom, God himself guides us by the wisdom embodied in his word.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
4Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
**Long Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse
By Leonard Ravenhill46K37:51RevivalPSA 46:10PRO 3:5The video is the first of three phone messages by Revival God's Way, Revival Crane. Revival Crane is known for his powerful preaching and singing. In this message, he discusses the importance of the local church and how it plays a role in revival. He emphasizes the need for believers to come together and support one another in their faith. The video also mentions that Revival Crane has written books and is appreciated by many listeners.
God Uses Foolish Things
By Jackie Pullinger21K1:10:12Foolish ThingsPRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 8:28JAS 1:22In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of scoring a three, two, and four in a specific process. They mention the idea of a snow-covered holiday and walking on snow. The speaker also talks about adding a sketchy name and keeping it in the description. They emphasize the need to get into the world and make an impact on people's lives. The speaker questions how people feel when they die and encourages practicing and being present in the world. They mention Jesus and his role as a mediator and discuss the importance of trust in platforms.
Surrender
By Francis Chan7.2K47:44PRO 3:5This sermon reflects on the journey of faith and obedience, highlighting the importance of surrendering to God's calling even when it involves stepping into the unknown. It emphasizes the need to trust in God's leading, even when faced with fear and uncertainty, and to prioritize following Jesus above all else. The speaker shares personal experiences and decisions, encouraging the congregation to seek God's will and step out in faith, trusting in His sovereignty and guidance.
Book Recommendations
By Art Katz6.5K13:41PRO 3:5This sermon emphasizes the profound impact of Apostolic Foundations, True Fellowship, and other books by the speaker, detailing personal experiences and insights that have shaped his understanding of faith, community, and the prophetic call. The speaker shares how his journey from atheism to encountering Jesus transformed his life and perspective, highlighting the importance of seeking truth and meaning even in the face of suffering and challenges.
Taking Back Control of Your Life
By David Wilkerson6.1K53:55PRO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah in the Bible. Elijah is depicted as a man who is hurting, confused, and full of questions. He is under attack from the devil and feels guilty and useless. However, God sends an angelic chef and butler to minister to him, providing him with food and drink to strengthen him. The preacher emphasizes that even in our hardest trials, God is there to refresh us and remind us that He is not mad at us. The story of Elijah serves as an example for us to remember that the devil may attack us because of the sin within us, but we can find strength and hope in God's provision and care.
(Clip) There Will Be Race Riots After the Economic Crash
By David Wilkerson5.0K03:58PSA 46:1PRO 3:5ISA 41:10This sermon emphasizes the impending chaos in America and the need for true deliverance through knowing God's ways. It warns of racial tensions and societal breakdown, highlighting the rise of divisive figures and hate speech. The speaker urges listeners to prepare for a shift in the meaning of deliverance, focusing on seeking safety and guidance from God in the midst of turmoil. Ordinary people are encouraged to remain calm and peaceful, as they will become beacons of hope and stability for those seeking deliverance in a time of crisis.
Stop Worshipping and Idolizing Celebrity Preachers
By Paul Washer3.6K15:07Celebrity PreachersPRO 3:5In this sermon transcript, the speaker reflects on his journey of faith and the importance of authenticity in following Christ. He emphasizes the need for daily study of the Word and prayer, acknowledging his struggle with Scripture memory. The speaker also shares his experience of overcoming depression through the teachings of Jay Adams. He humbly acknowledges his limitations and the faithfulness of God in using imperfect individuals for His purposes. Additionally, he recounts a powerful revival that occurred during one of his preaching engagements, where some individuals even mistook him for the apostle Paul.
Marriage in the Christian Home - Part 1
By Keith Daniel3.5K1:24:10MarriagePSA 119:114PRO 3:5MAT 4:4TIT 2:11HEB 13:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of marriage and the Christian home. He starts by mentioning a verse from the Bible, Hebrews 13:4, which he believes would have significant consequences if read in every church. He shares how his message on marriage had a profound impact on people's lives, bringing healing and restoration to broken marriages. The preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's word and being in submission to one's spouse, particularly wives being in subjection to their husbands.
O Glorious Day
By Vance Havner3.1K30:22PSA 66:16PRO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his 64 years in ministry and shares his observations. He emphasizes that despite advancements in technology and knowledge, the core truths of sin, judgment, salvation, and eternity remain unchanged. The preacher encourages the audience to pursue a closer walk with God, but warns that the devil will oppose and bring trouble. He shares personal experiences and quotes from influential Christian figures to emphasize the importance of preaching the plain gospel and staying faithful to God's calling.
Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 10
By Bakht Singh3.0K06:00PRO 3:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on past leaders like Buck Sink, but to seek God's guidance for the future, especially in preparation for the second coming of Christ.
A God Directed Life
By Teresa Conlon2.9K58:572CH 7:14PSA 37:5PRO 3:5ISA 55:8JER 29:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:28In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Proverbs 3:5, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God to direct our lives. The speaker shares a personal experience of attending a born-again evangelical church and being deeply impacted by the message of this scripture. They highlight the significance of trusting God with all our hearts and acknowledge that there may be parts of our hearts that still struggle to fully trust Him. The speaker encourages listeners to embark on a journey of surrendering their lives to God's direction and trusting Him to lead them.
A Call to Endurance, Part Ii
By David Roper2.9K35:23EndurancePRO 3:52TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the second chapter of Second Timothy. He discusses three metaphors that the apostle Paul uses to describe the faithful man of God: a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. These metaphors emphasize the importance of endurance and diligent effort in the Christian ministry. The speaker then applies these metaphors to Timothy, encouraging him to be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus and to continue in his faith despite opposition and adversity. Additionally, the speaker introduces three more figures that describe the faithful man of God: an unashamed workman, an undefiled vessel, and an inoffensive servant. These figures highlight the importance of handling the word of truth correctly, maintaining purity, and serving with gentleness and mercy.
Tribute to Rev. David Wilkerson (A Christ-Honouring Legacy)
By David Wilkerson2.7K09:41PRO 3:5This sermon reflects on the 50-year ministry journey of David Wilkerson, which began with a pivotal act of obedience to God. It highlights his impactful work with Teen Challenge, the growth of his ministries worldwide, and his unwavering commitment to serving the disenfranchised. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face, desiring to be like Jesus, and being a reflection of His love and character.
The Council of the Lord - That Shall Stand
By A.W. Tozer2.7K38:20Christian LifePRO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in life. He emphasizes that many people are lost and unaware of their purpose, but the counsel of wisdom can provide answers to their philosophical questions. The preacher also criticizes the mindset of those who only focus on the earthly world and neglect the existence of a higher realm. He highlights that the Bible provides guidance on where we come from and why we are here, and emphasizes the need for people to seek understanding and purpose in order to avoid breakdowns and live fulfilling lives.
Can a Christian Watch Tv and Movies?
By Zac Poonen2.4K09:28PRO 3:5JHN 10:10ROM 8:6GAL 5:18This sermon emphasizes that Jesus came to give us life, not just knowledge of good and evil. Those who have life will inherently know right from wrong, unlike those who rely on rules and regulations. Living by rules indicates spiritual death, while having life means being led by the Holy Spirit and not being under the law. The message highlights the importance of seeking life in the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and decisions, rather than relying on external laws and regulations.
God Is in Control
By James MacDonald2.4K49:32SovereigntyPRO 3:5HEB 6:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and how God made a covenant with him. He recounts the moment when God appeared to Abraham in a deep sleep and made a promise about his descendants. The preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in God's promises and having faith. He also shares a personal anecdote about a church member going on a mission trip to highlight the need for earnestness and assurance in one's faith. The sermon concludes with a call to not be sluggish in one's faith and to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
Solutions for Young People
By Zac Poonen2.3K57:03Young PeoplePRO 3:5In this sermon, the speaker addresses five main problems that young people often face. The first is the struggle of accepting oneself as God has made them. The second is conflict with parents, which is a universal issue. The third is peer pressure, where young people are influenced by their peers to conform to certain behaviors. The fourth problem discussed is sexual temptation, particularly for young men, which can be physical for them and emotional for young girls. Lastly, the speaker talks about coping with failure and injustice that young people may encounter in school, college, or the workplace. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being an overcomer and finding solutions to these challenges through faith in God.
And We Know-rm.8:28 a Soft Pillow for a Tired Heart
By Skip Heitzig2.3K41:52WearyPRO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 6:68ROM 8:28In this sermon, Skip Heisek focuses on the transformative truth found in Romans 8:28. He shares a story of missionary converts who were amazed by modern technology, particularly elevators. He then relates a personal experience of relying on Romans 8:28 during a difficult time. He emphasizes the need for understanding and submitting to God's love and care, especially in times of frustration and uncertainty. He concludes by urging listeners to surrender their lives to Jesus and seek prayer with pastors available after the service.
Canadian Revival by Bill Mcleod
By Bill McLeod2.2K41:59PSA 37:5PRO 3:5ZEC 12:101TI 2:8This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and revival, recounting stories of how prayer, repentance, and seeking God's presence led to transformation and revival in churches and individuals' lives. It highlights the importance of genuine repentance, prayer, and believing in God's promises for personal and communal revival.
Building Loyalty
By George Verwer2.1K55:08LoyaltyPRO 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a servant leader and winning the hearts of the team. He highlights the need to spend time with team members, listen to them, and build friendships. The speaker also discusses the challenge of building loyalty and unity within organizations, using the example of OM. He concludes by mentioning the significance of practical actions and the impact they have on one's spiritual life.
The Light of God Is His Love
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:01:58Love Of GodPRO 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a constant and passionate devotion to God. He highlights that many people experience a temporary surge of enthusiasm during Christian meetings, but it quickly fades away. The key to remaining steadfast is understanding the intensity of God's love for us. The speaker encourages the audience to make Jesus their hero and to imitate his character and actions. He also emphasizes the need to walk in the love of God and to diligently seek Him, as He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
The Spirit Leads
By Chuck Smith2.0K1:00:55LeadingPRO 3:5ACT 16:6In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate the idea that what may seem like a curse or inconvenience could actually be a blessing from God. He questions whether God still directs people supernaturally in today's world or if that was only reserved for the early church. The speaker also shares the story of a banker who had a vision of an old man calling him to harvest a field in Panama, leading him to resign his job and become a missionary. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and listening to the different ways in which God speaks to us in order to follow His guidance in our lives.
What Should I Do?
By Jim Cymbala2.0K19:14DirectionPRO 3:5In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common dilemma of not knowing what to do or where to go in life. He shares a personal experience of receiving a word from the Lord at his wedding reception, despite the seeming impossibility of the situation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking direction from God and trusting in His plan for our lives. He also references the story of David being chased by King Saul and how David sought God's guidance in his difficult situation.
(Demonology) the Truth About Tonges - Part 3
By Willie Mullan1.8K31:19DemonologyPRO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the Word of God and not on personal experiences. He warns against being swayed by the devil and encourages the congregation to take the Word of God home and let it guide their lives. The preacher mentions a future event without providing details and then proceeds to lead the congregation in singing hymns. He also discusses the symbolism of Jesus' words during the Last Supper and questions the idea of his body and blood becoming literal. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the sufficiency of the Bible and discourages adding to it through modern-day prophecies.
My Redemer Lives
By Jack David Daniels1.8K07:01ResurrectionPRO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher passionately describes the indescribable nature of Jesus and his significance in the lives of believers. He lists numerous names and attributes of Jesus, emphasizing his role as the savior and the centerpiece of civilization. The preacher highlights Jesus' ability to provide strength, escape, sympathy, guidance, healing, forgiveness, and blessings to those who come to him. He concludes by sharing a humorous anecdote about Jesus' resurrection, illustrating the power and victory of Christ over death.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Were "kindness and truth" (Pro 3:3) understood only in relation to men, then the following admonition would not be interposed, since it proceeds from that going before, if there the quality of kindness and truth, not only towards man, but also towards God, is commended: 5 Trust in Jahve with thy whole heart, And lean not on thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, And He will make plain thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jahve, and depart from evil. 8 Health will then come to thy navel, And refreshing to thy bones. From God alone comes true prosperity, true help. He knows the right way to the right ends. He knows what benefits us. He is able to free us from that which does us harm: therefore it is our duty and our safety to place our confidence wholly in Him, and to trust not to our own judgment. The verb בּטח, Arab. baṭḥ, has the root-meaning expandere, whence perhaps, by a more direct way than that noted under Psa 4:6, it acquires the meaning confidere, to lean with the whole body on something, in order to rest upon it, strengthened by על, if one lean wholly - Fr. se reposer sur quelqu'un; Ital. riposarsi sopra alcuno, - like השּׁען with אל, to lean on anything, so as to be supported by it; with על, to support oneself on anything (Fl.). דעהוּ (the same in form as שׂאהוּ, Num 11:12) is not fully represented by "acknowledge Him;" as in Ch1 28:9 it is not a mere theoretic acknowledgment that is meant, but earnest penetrating cognizance, engaging the whole man. The practico-mystical דעהוּ, in and of itself full of significance, according to O. and N.T. usage, is yet strengthened by toto corde. The heart is the central seat of all spiritual soul-strength; to love God with the whole heart is to concentrate the whole inner life on the active contemplation of God, and the ready observance of His will. God requites such as show regard to Him, by making plain their path before them, i.e., by leading them directly to the right end, removing all hindrances out of their way. ארחתיך has Cholem in the first syllable (vid., Kimchi's Lex.). (Note: In the st. constr. Pro 2:19, and with the grave suff. Pro 2:15, ǒ instead of ō is in order; but Ben-Asher's ארחתי, Job 13:27, cf. Job 33:11, is an inconsistency.) "Be not wise in thine own eyes" is equivalent to ne tibi sapiens videare; for, as J. H. Michaelis remarks, confidere Deo est sapere, sibi vero ac suae sapientiae, desipere. "Fear God and depart from evil" is the twofold representation of the εὐσέβεια, or practical piety, in the Chokma writings: Pro 16:6, the Mashal Psa 34:10, Psa 34:15, and Job 28:28 cf. Pro 1:2. For סר מרע, the post-biblical expression is ירא חטא. Pro 3:8 The subject to תּהי; (it shall be) is just this religious-moral conduct. The conjectural reading לבשׂרך (Clericus), לשׁרך = לשׁארך (Ewald, Hitzig), to thy flesh or body, is unnecessary; the lxx and Syr. so translating, generalize the expression, which is not according to their taste. שׁר, from שׁרר, Arab. sarr, to be fast, to bind fast, properly, the umbilical cord (which the Arabs call surr, whence the denom. sarra, to cut off the umbilical cord of the newborn); thus the navel, the origin of which coincides with the independent individual existence of the new-born, and is as the firm centre (cf. Arab. saryr, foundation, basis, Job, p. 487) of the existence of the body. The system of punctuation does not, as a rule, permit the doubling of ר, probably on account of the prevailing half guttural, i.e., the uvular utterance of this sound by the men of Tiberias. (Note: See my work, Physiologie u. Musik in ihrer Bedeutung fr Grammatik besonders die hebrische, pp. 11-13.) לשׁרּך here, and שׁרּך at Eze 16:4, belong to the exceptions; cf. the expanded duplication in שׁררך, Sol 7:3, to which a chief form שׁרר is as little to be assumed as is a הרר to הררי. The ἅπ. γεγρ. רפאוּת, healing, has here, as מרפּא, Pro 4:22; Pro 16:24, and תּרוּפה, Eze 47:12, not the meaning of restoration from sickness, but the raising up of enfeebled strength, or the confirming of that which exists; the navel comes into view as the middle point of the vis vitalis. שׁקּוּי is a Piel formation, corresponding to the abstract Kal formation רפאוּת; the Arab. saqâ, used transit. (to give to drink), also saqqâ (cf. Pu. Job 21:24) and asqâ, like the Hebr. השׁקה (Hiph. of שׁקה, to drink); the infin. (Arab.) saqy means, to the obliterating of the proper signification, distribution, benefaction, showing friendship, but in the passage before us is to be explained after Job 21:24 (the marrow of his bones is well watered; Arnheim - full of sap) and Pro 15:30. Bertheau and Hitzig erroneously regard Pro 3:8 as the conclusion to Pro 3:7, for they interpret רפאות as the subject; but had the poet wished to be so understood, he should have written וּתהי. Much rather the subject is devotion withdrawn from the evil one and turned to God, which externally proves itself by the dedication to Him of earthly possessions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Trust . . . heart--This is the center and marrow of true wisdom (Pro 22:19; Pro 28:25). The positive duty has its corresponding negation in the admonition against self-confidence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,.... Not in a creature, the best, the holiest, and the highest; not in any creature enjoyment, as riches, strength, and wisdom; nor in any outward privilege, arising from natural descent and education; not in a man's self, in his own heart, which is deceitful; nor in any works of righteousness done by him; not in a profession of religion, or the duties of it, ever so well performed; not in frames, nor in graces, and the exercise of them; no, not in faith or trust itself: but in the Lord, the object of all grace, and in him only; in Jehovah the Father, as the God of nature and providence, for all temporal blessings; and as the God of all grace, for all spiritual blessings, and all the needful supplies of grace; and for eternal happiness, which he has provided, promised, and freely gives. Trust in him at all times; in times of affliction, temptation, and darkness: there is a great deal of reason for it; all power and strength are in him to help; his love, grace, and mercy, move him to it, and are always the same: the consideration of what he has done for others that have trusted in him, and for ourselves in times past, should induce and encourage to it; as also the happiness of those that trust in him, who enjoy peace and safety; and his displeasure at those that show any diffidence of him, or distrust him. Trust in Jehovah the Son; in his person for acceptance; in his righteousness for justification; in his blood for pardon; in his fulness for supply; in his power for protection and preservation; and in him alone for salvation and eternal life. Trust in Jehovah the Spirit, to carry on and finish the work of grace upon the heart; of which a saint may be confident that where it is begun it will be completed. And this trust in Father, Son, and Spirit, should be "with all the heart", cordial and sincere. The phrase denotes not so much the strength of faith as the sincerity of it; it signifies a faith unfeigned; it is not saying, or professing, that a man believes and trusts in the Lord; but it is with the heart, and with his whole heart, that he believes unto righteousness, if he believes aright; see Rom 10:10; and lean not unto thine own understanding; or trust not to that; for it stands opposed to trusting in the Lord. Men should not depend upon their own wisdom and understanding, in the conduct of civil life, but should seek the direction and blessing of Providence, or otherwise will meet with disappointment; and, when they succeed, should ascribe it not to their own prudence and wisdom, but to the goodness of God; for "bread" is not always "to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding", Ecc 9:11; and much less should men lean to their own understanding in matters of religion; a natural man has no understanding of spiritual things, of the things of the Gospel, nor indeed any practical understanding of things moral, Rom 3:11, Jer 4:22. The understanding of man is darkened by sin; yea, is darkness itself; it is like the first earth, covered with darkness, till light is let into it, and therefore not to be leaned unto and depended on, Eph 4:18. There is a necessity of a new heart and spirit, of an understanding to be given, in order to understand spiritual and divine things, Eze 36:26; for though these are not contrary to the reason and understanding of men; yet they are above them, and cannot be discovered, reached, comprehended, and accounted for by them, Mat 16:17. Nay, there are some things in the Gospel, which, though plain to an enlightened understanding by the word of God, yet the manner how they are cannot be apprehended: as the doctrines of a trinity of Persons; of the generation of the Son of God; the procession of the Spirit; the union of the two natures in Christ; the resurrection of the dead, &c. In short, not our reason and understanding at best, and much less as carnal and unsanctified, but the word of God only is our rule of judgment, and the standard of our faith and practice; and to that we should have recourse and be directed by it, and not lean to our own understandings.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5-6 On the path of wisdom, God himself guides us by the wisdom embodied in his word.