Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 3:5 in Multiple Translations
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
¶ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:
Put all your hope in God, not looking to your reason for support.
Put your trust totally in the Lord—don't rely on what you think you know!
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and leane not vnto thine owne wisdome.
Trust unto Jehovah with all thy heart, And unto thine own understanding lean not.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.
Trust in the LORD with all thy heart; and lean not to thy own understanding.
Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thy own prudence.
Trust in Yahweh completely, and do not rely on what you yourself understand.
You have to trust in God properly, you have to only trust in him. Don’t trust the things you know, you don’t know everything.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:5
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 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּטַ֣ח
אֶל
יְ֭הוָה
בְּ/כָל
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
וְ/אֶל
בִּֽ֝ינָתְ/ךָ֗
אַל
תִּשָּׁעֵֽן
בְּטַ֣ח
bâṭach
H982
to trust
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
בִּֽ֝ינָתְ/ךָ֗
bîynâh
H998
understanding
N-fs | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּשָּׁעֵֽן
shâʻan
H8172
to lean
V-Niphal-Juss-2ms
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 3:5
בְּטַ֣ח
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
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.
יְ֭הוָה
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.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
לִבֶּ֑/ךָ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | 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.
בִּֽ֝ינָתְ/ךָ֗
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּשָּׁעֵֽן
shâʻan
H8172
"to lean"
V-Niphal-Juss-2ms
To lean means to support oneself or trust in something, like God. In Psalm 37:7, it means to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. This concept is central to the biblical idea of trust and faith.
Definition: 1) to lean on, trust in, support 1a) (Niphal) to lean, lean upon, support oneself 1a1) of trust in God (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lean, lie, rely, rest (on, self), stay. See also: Genesis 18:4; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Proverbs 3:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:5
Context — Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
3Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of 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. 7Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:5 | Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 17:7–8 | But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:26 | He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:3 | Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. |
| 5 | Psalms 62:8 | Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah |
| 6 | Isaiah 26:3–4 | You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal. |
| 7 | Isaiah 12:2 | Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” |
| 8 | Psalms 37:7 | Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. |
| 9 | Proverbs 3:7 | Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 10:23 | I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. |
Proverbs 3:5 Summary
This verse means that we should put our complete trust and faith in God, not just in our own thoughts and ideas. It's like when you're lost in a new city and you trust the GPS to guide you, instead of just guessing which way to go. We can trust God because He loves us and wants what's best for us, as shown in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in Him, we can have peace and confidence, even when things seem uncertain, just like it says in Proverbs 3:6, and we can be assured that He will make our paths straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to trust in the Lord with all my heart?
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart means having complete faith and confidence in His power, love, and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, and being willing to surrender your will to His, as Jesus taught in Matthew 16:24-25.
Is it wrong to use my own understanding and reasoning?
While God gave us the ability to reason and understand, Proverbs 3:5 warns us not to lean solely on our own understanding, because our ways are not always God's ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, and we need to trust in His infinite wisdom and knowledge.
How can I balance trusting in the Lord with making wise decisions in my life?
Balancing trust in the Lord with making wise decisions involves seeking His guidance through prayer, as instructed in Philippians 4:6-7, and being grounded in His Word, as taught in Psalms 119:105, while also using the wisdom and discernment He has given you, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:8-9.
What are the benefits of trusting in the Lord with all my heart?
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart brings numerous benefits, including peace that surpasses understanding, as promised in Philippians 4:7, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, as seen in John 15:15, as well as the assurance of His presence and guidance in your life, as stated in Hebrews 13:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I currently leaning on my own understanding, and how can I begin to trust in the Lord instead?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper trust in the Lord, and how can I make this a consistent practice in my daily life?
- How does trusting in the Lord with all my heart affect my relationships with others, and what does this look like in practical terms?
- What are some promises in Scripture that I can hold onto when I'm struggling to trust in the Lord, and how can I apply these to my life?
- In what ways can I acknowledge the Lord in all my ways, as instructed in Proverbs 3:6, and what difference will this make in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:5
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,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding - which latter cannot preserve thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord; wholly and securely rely upon God’ s promises and providence for help and relief in all thine affairs and dangers. Lean not unto thine own understanding; think not to accomplish thy designs by the strength of thine own wit without God’ s blessing. Under this one kind of carnal confidence, which is most frequent and most plausible, he understands and forbids all other confidences in bodily strength, wealth, friends, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.Ver. 5. Trust in the Lord.] To trust in God is to be unbottomed of thyself, and of every creature, and so to lean upon God, that if he fail thee thou sinkest. Confidence is the least, and yet the best we can render to the Lord, for hereby we acknowledge his sovereignty, and set the crown upon his head, as it were. See Judges 9:15. And lean not to thine own understanding.] Which, because men do, hence it is, many times, that the fairest blossoms of their endeavours wither, and the unprobablest things do come to pass. God loves to confute men in their confidences, as he did the Philistines in their champion Goliath. We must not, therefore, trust - no, not trust itself - but God, on whom it relies, who is therefore called our trust. They trust not God at all that do it not alone. He that stands with one foot on a rock, and another foot upon a quicksand, will sink and perish as certainly as he that stands with both feet on a quicksand. "Lord, lead me to a rock that is higher than I," saith David.
Whither, when he was once got, then he sat and sang, "The Lord is my rock and my salvation." Surely, as one said of general councils, they seldom were successful, because men came with confidence, leaning to their own understanding, and seeking for victory rather than verity. So it holds as true in other like cases.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
Verse 5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart] This is a most important precept: 1. God is the Fountain of all good. 2. He has made his intelligent creatures dependent upon himself. 3. He requires them to be conscious of that dependence. 4. He has promised to communicate what they need. 5. He commands them to believe his promise, and look for its fulfilment. 6. And to do this without doubt, fear, or distrust; "with their whole heart." Lean not unto thine own understanding] אל תשען al tishshaen, do not prop thyself. It is on GOD, not on thyself, that thou art commanded to depend. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:5
5. unto] Rather, upon, R.V. The confidence is to be complete both in degree and in extent: “with all thy heart,” “in all thy ways.” This teaching of trust in God, “anticipates,” as the Speaker’s Commentary points out, the doctrine of faith. Fides est fiducia.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:5
In preaching “trust in God” the moralist anticipates the teaching that man is justified by faith.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:5
5. Here follow precepts bearing more directly on man’s duty to God, and especially as to the regulation of the mind and thoughts in respect to him.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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**Long Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill | The 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 |
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God Uses Foolish Things by Jackie Pullinger | In 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. Th |
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God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl |
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |
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An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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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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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of |