Proverbs 3:6 kjv

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:6 nkjv

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:6 niv

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:6 esv

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:6 nlt

Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 6 Meaning

Proverbs 3:6 teaches that surrendering every aspect of one's life and choices to the Lord's wisdom and will is foundational. When a believer consciously seeks God's counsel and presence in all their endeavors, recognizing His sovereignty, He faithfully provides clear direction and removes obstacles, ensuring their life's journey is guided towards His righteous purposes. This involves not just intellectual acknowledgement but an active, relational trust and obedience.

Proverbs 3 6 Context

Proverbs chapter 3 is a wisdom instruction from a father to his son, emphasizing the profound benefits of trusting in and living according to the Lord's wisdom. It begins by encouraging adherence to divine precepts (vv. 1-2), faithfulness and truth (vv. 3-4), and then directly precedes verse 6 with the crucial command to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" (v. 5). This immediate preceding verse establishes the foundational mindset for verse 6, highlighting the necessary surrender of self-reliance for reliance on God. Historically and culturally, this advice would have resonated deeply in ancient Israelite society, where divine guidance was central to both individual and communal well-being, contrasting with pagan practices that sought guidance through divination or humanistic wisdom. The concept of "ways" and "paths" metaphorically refers to one's entire life course, conduct, and journey.

Proverbs 3 6 Word analysis

• In all: (Hebrew: b'chol, בְּכָל) This prepositional phrase means "in every," "in totality," or "in everything." It emphasizes an all-encompassing reach. This teaching applies not only to major life decisions but also to daily routines, minor choices, thoughts, and interactions. It means every area of life is to be brought under God's dominion.
• your ways: (Hebrew: d'rakheykha, דְּרָכֶיךָ) From the singular derekh, meaning a road, journey, manner, or course of life. Metaphorically, it refers to one's entire conduct, actions, decisions, lifestyle, and life's journey. The plural form intensifies the breadth of life covered—every path one might consider taking, every direction in which one's life proceeds.
• acknowledge Him: (Hebrew: da'eihu, דָּעֵהוּ) This is derived from the verb yada' (יָדַע), meaning "to know." However, in biblical context, yada' often denotes more than mere intellectual recognition. It signifies an intimate, experiential, personal knowledge, implying relationship, understanding, discernment, and often, obedience or submission. To "acknowledge Him" means to consciously include God in all thoughts and plans, to seek His will, and to act in conscious reliance upon Him rather than self. It is an active seeking of His presence, perspective, and direction.
• And He: (Hebrew: v'hu, וְהוּא) The conjunction "and" connects the action of acknowledging to its consequence, while "He" specifically refers to the Lord, as indicated in the preceding verses. This emphasizes God's active role as the agent of the promised outcome.
• will make straight: (Hebrew: y'yashsher, יְיַשֵּׁר) From the root yashar, meaning "to be straight, right, pleasing." This verb in the Piel stem (causative) means "He will make straight," "direct," "smooth," or "guide aright." It implies setting things right, removing obstacles, clarifying confusion, or even making one's character morally upright. It ensures one's life trajectory is in accordance with divine purpose and righteousness.
• your paths: (Hebrew: orchoteykha, אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ) From the singular orach, meaning a path, a beaten track, or a defined road. Similar to d'rakheykha ("your ways"), this term also refers to the course of one's life. The use of both "ways" and "paths" in close proximity emphasizes the entirety and certainty of the direction being provided, covering both general conduct and specific routes.

Proverbs 3 6 Bonus section

The promise "He will make your paths straight" holds a dual meaning, both practical and moral. Practically, it means God will direct your steps, clarifying choices, opening doors, and closing others, preventing wasted effort. Morally, it means He will guide you in integrity and righteousness, shaping your character and actions so your path aligns with His holy standards, keeping you from spiritual detours into sin or folly. The implication is a removal of internal confusion (as well as external hindrances) leading to moral rectitude and a purposeful trajectory in life. This promise hinges entirely on the preceding action: without intentionally and consistently acknowledging God in all our ways, we forfeit the right to His promise of direct and clear guidance. The verse encourages a total life yieldedness, leaving no area outside of His counsel.

Proverbs 3 6 Commentary

Proverbs 3:6 is a succinct yet profoundly powerful declaration of faith's practical application in daily life. It extends the principle of trust from verse 5 into concrete action: not just trusting God in general, but actively acknowledging Him in every detail. This acknowledgement is a deep, personal "knowing" – a relational awareness of God's presence, wisdom, and sovereignty in all situations. It means consciously turning to Him in prayer, consulting His Word, seeking godly counsel, and surrendering personal agendas before making decisions or embarking on ventures. This isn't a magical formula for an easy life, but a divine assurance that as we actively bring Him into every aspect, He will clear our spiritual and moral vision, guide us past pitfalls, correct our missteps, and align our life's course with His perfect will. It doesn't guarantee a smooth ride without challenges, but it promises divine superintendence, ensuring that our overall direction is righteous and purposeful. For example, if faced with a major career decision, instead of relying solely on market analysis or personal ambition, one would actively seek God's direction through prayer and Scripture study, acknowledging His ownership over their calling. If planning a mundane day, they might offer it to God, seeking His leading for interactions and tasks.