Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs 16:3 in Multiple Translations
Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.
Put your works into the hands of the Lord, and your purposes will be made certain.
Trust whatever you do to the Lord, and your plans will be successful.
Commit thy workes vnto the Lord, and thy thoughts shalbe directed.
Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,
Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed.
Commit thy works to the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Lay open thy works to the Lord: and thy thoughts shall be directed.
◄Request/Rely on► Yahweh to direct what you plan to do; if you do that, you will succeed in what you plan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גֹּ֣ל
אֶל
יְהוָ֣ה
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
וְ֝/יִכֹּ֗נוּ
מַחְשְׁבֹתֶֽי/ךָ
גֹּ֣ל
gâlal
H1556
to roll
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
וְ֝/יִכֹּ֗נוּ
kûwn
H3559
to establish
Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3mp
מַחְשְׁבֹתֶֽי/ךָ
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:3
גֹּ֣ל
gâlal
H1556
"to roll"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word 'to roll' means to move something in a rolling motion, and it can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in various forms, such as rolling away or rolling down, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible. This verb can also mean to flow down or to seek occasion.
Definition: 1) to roll, roll away, roll down, roll together 1a) (Qal) to roll 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to roll up 1b2) to flow down 1c) (Pilpel) to roll 1d) (Poal) to be rolled 1e) (Hithpoel) to roll oneself 1f) (Hithpalpel) to roll oneself 1g) (Hiphil) to roll away Aramaic equivalent: ge.lal (גְּלָל "great" H1560)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow. See also: Genesis 29:3; Psalms 22:9; Psalms 37:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מַעֲשֶׂ֑י/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
וְ֝/יִכֹּ֗נוּ
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3mp
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
מַחְשְׁבֹתֶֽי/ךָ
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:3
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
3Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.
4The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:4–5 | Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:6 | in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 3 | Psalms 55:22 | Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. |
| 4 | Philippians 4:6 | Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 5:7 | Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. |
| 6 | Job 22:28 | Your decisions will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways. |
| 7 | Job 5:8 | However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and lay my cause before Him— |
| 8 | Luke 12:22 | Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. |
| 9 | Matthew 6:25–34 | Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. |
| 10 | Isaiah 7:5–7 | For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: ‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’ But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. |
Proverbs 16:3 Summary
[This verse means that when we give our plans and actions to God, He will help us succeed. It's like asking a wise and loving parent for help with a big project. When we commit our works to the LORD, we're saying, 'God, I trust You and want to do things Your way.' As it says in Psalm 37:5, when we commit our way to Him, He will act, and our plans will be achieved. By trusting in God's guidance and wisdom, we can have confidence that our plans will succeed, not just in our own strength, but in His power and provision.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to commit my works to the LORD?
Committing your works to the LORD means trusting Him with your plans and actions, and seeking His guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
How can I be sure my plans will be achieved if I commit them to the LORD?
While Proverbs 16:3 promises that your plans will be achieved, it's essential to remember that this is conditional on surrendering to God's will, as stated in Psalm 37:4-5, which says to delight in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart, and commit your way to Him.
Is this verse promising success in every endeavor?
This verse is not a guarantee of success in every endeavor, but rather a promise that when we commit our works to the LORD, He will guide and direct us according to His will, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
How does this verse relate to my daily life?
This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance and wisdom in every aspect of our lives, from our daily decisions to our long-term goals, and to trust that He will direct us according to His plan, as stated in Romans 8:28, which says that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to commit my works to the LORD and trust in His guidance?
- How can I practically apply the principle of committing my works to the LORD in my daily decisions and plans?
- What are some potential obstacles or challenges that might hinder me from committing my works to the LORD, and how can I overcome them?
- How does this verse relate to my understanding of God's sovereignty and my responsibility as a Christian?
- What does it mean to achieve my plans in a way that honors God, and how can I ensure that my goals align with His will?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the Lord,.... Natural, civil, or religious; seek to him for strength and assistance in all, and leave the success of all with him: or "roll thy works on" or "unto the Lord" (b);
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the Lord, Heb. Roll, &c., as a man rolls a burden to another, which is too heavy for himself, imploring his help. Refer all thy actions and concerns to God, and to his glory, as the end of them, and in the discharge of thy own duty depend upon God’ s providence for assistance and success. Thy thoughts shall be established; thy honest desires and designs shall be brought to a happy issue one way or other.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.Ver. 3. Commit thy works unto the Lord.] Depend upon him alone for direction and success; this is the readiest way to a holy security and sound settlement. Hang not in doubtful suspense, as meteors do in the air. Neither make discourses in the air, so one renders it, as those use to do, whose hearts are haunted with carking cares. Let not your thoughts be distracted about these things; so the Syriac hath it. But "cast your burden upon the Lord," by a writ of remove, as it were. Yea, "cast all your care upon God, for he careth for you." I will be "careless" according to my name, said John Careless, martyr. "Commit the matter to God, and he will effect it." And thy thoughts shall be established.] Never is the heart at rest till it repose upon God; till then it flickers up and down, as Noah’ s dove did upon the face of the flood, and found no footing till she returned to the ark. This is certain, saith a reverend divine, yet living, so far as a soul can stay on and trust in God, so far it enjoys a sweet settlement and tranquillity of spirit. Perfect trust is blessed with a perfect peace.
A famous instance for this we have in our Saviour, "Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I to this hour. Father, glorify thy name." All the while the eye of his humanity was fixed upon deliverance from the hour of temptation; there was no peace nor rest in his soul, because there he found not only uncertainty, but impossibility; "For this cause came I to this hour." But when he could come to this, "Father, glorify thy name" - when he could wait on, acquiesce in, and resign to the will of his Father - we never hear of any more objection, fear, or trouble. Thus he. Mr Case.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
(3) Commit thy works unto the Lord.—Literally, roll them upon Him, as a burden too heavy to be borne by thyself. “Thy works” signify all that thou hast to do. (Comp. Psalms 37:5.) God provides such works for us. (Comp. Ephesians 2:10.) And thy thoughts shall be established.—Thy plans shall prosper, for they will be undertaken according to the will of God, and carried out by His aid. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
Verse 3. Commit thy works unto the Lord] See that what thou doest is commanded; and then begin, continue, and end all in his name. And thy thoughts shall be established - these schemes or arrangements, though formed in the heart, are agreeable to the Divine will, and therefore shall be established. His thoughts - his meditations - are right; and he begins and ends his work in the Lord; and therefore all issues well.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:3
3. Commit … unto] Lit. Roll … upon. Comp. Psalms 22:8 [Hebrews 9], Psalms 37:5, and notes there in this Series. thoughts] or, purposes, R.V. marg. The precept is germane to that in Proverbs 16:1. Commit to Jehovah the execution in works (as in Proverbs 16:1, the explanation in words) of thy plans and purposes, and they shall prosper. In each of the seven opening proverbs of this chapter the name Jehovah is introduced, and in each of them His work is made prominent.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:3
Commit - literally, as in the margin, as a man transfers a burden from his own back to one stronger and better able to bear it. Compare the margin reference. Thy thoughts - i.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:3
3. Commit… to the Lord — To Jehovah; or, as we say, “Cast upon the Lord” thy works, undertakings, enterprises. Thy thoughts (plans, purposes) shall be established — This is the surest way to have honest designs accomplished.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 1 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the journey of faith. They encourage listeners to seek solutions and growth in their spiritual |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b |
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Prayer 05 Conditions - Effective Prayer by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking and knowing the will of God for our lives. He highlights that God is the Lord of the Harvest and it is His plan and |
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Founding of the Salvation Army by William Booth | This sermon delves into the origins of The Salvation Army, tracing back to a pivotal moment in 1878 when the description 'Salvation Army' was first introduced by William Booth, emp |
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The Missionary (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and showing God that we are serious about our faith. He challenges the congregation to fill the back seat of |
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Nehemiah 6 - Part 6 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and dedication in building the walls of Jerusalem, drawing parallels to the fragmented efforts of individuals versus the unified work |
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Being a Christian Writer by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience as a Christian writer and offers advice to aspiring writers in the Christian community. He emphasizes the importance of s |