Proverbs 3:1-8

Proverbs 3:5-6

Many people come to Proverbs 3:5-6 when a decision feels too big, a plan has fallen apart or the next step is hard to see. The words are short enough to hold in memory: "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding." Writing them out slowly, and then writing honestly about where you are, can help you notice what you are holding onto and what you might be ready to place in God's hands.

The verses around them give these lines a setting. They speak of teaching kept in the heart, of kindness and truth worn close, and of a humility that does not need to be wise in its own eyes. The prompts below stay mostly with verses 5 and 6, with a few turns toward the rest of the passage. Take one at a time. You can write a few lines, a full page or a prayer.

1 My son, don’t forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments:

2 for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you.

3 Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.

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

7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.

8 It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:1-8, World English Bible, public domain

Reflection prompts

  1. Read verse 5 aloud once. Where in your life right now would it be hardest to "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart"? Write about that place as plainly as you can.

  2. The verse says "with all your heart." Is there a part of your heart that is holding back, maybe out of fear, tiredness or an old hurt? Describe it, and if you like, write a short prayer about it.

  3. Think of a choice you are facing. Write down what your "own understanding" tells you about it. Then write what it might look like to not lean on that understanding alone.

  4. Verse 6 says "In all your ways acknowledge him." Pick one ordinary part of your day, like your commute, your kitchen or your work inbox. How could you remember God there this week?

  5. Look back at a time when your path felt crooked or confusing. Looking at it now, what do you notice about how you got through it, and who walked with you?

  6. Verse 3 invites you to "Write them on the tablet of your heart." Write the words kindness and truth at the top of the page. Where do you see each one in your life today, and where do you long for more of them?

  7. Verse 7 says "Don’t be wise in your own eyes." Where might you be holding tightly to being right? Write about one small way you could stay open to learning this week.

  8. End by writing your own prayer of trust using verses 5 and 6. Tell God honestly what you are carrying and what you hope to hand over.

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