Proverbs 16:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Complete Jewish Bible:

If you entrust all you do to ADONAI, your plans will achieve success.

Berean Standard Bible:

Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.

American Standard Version:

Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Commit{H1556} thy works{H4639} unto the LORD{H3068}, and thy thoughts{H4284} shall be established{H3559}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Psalms 37:4

  • Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 37:5

  • Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.

Proverbs 3:6

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

Psalms 55:22

  • Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Philippians 4:6

  • Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Peter 5:7

  • Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Job 5:8

  • I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

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Commentary for Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established," is a verse that encapsulates the wisdom tradition of the ancient Israelites, which emphasizes practical advice for living a virtuous and successful life. The historical context of this proverb is set within the broader scope of the Hebrew Bible, specifically the writings attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. This verse reflects the theological understanding that human actions and plans are to be aligned with the divine will.

The themes of Proverbs 16:3 include trust in God, the importance of intentionality in actions, and the assurance that when one's deeds are dedicated to God, one's plans or thoughts will be given stability and success. The verse suggests that by submitting our endeavors to divine guidance, we can expect our objectives and intentions to be made firm or "established." This implies a level of divine favor or blessing on those who integrate their faith into their daily activities.

In essence, the verse encourages believers to live their lives with a constant awareness of God's presence and to seek divine approval in all they do. It promises that such a life of devotion and commitment to God's ways will lead to a sense of purpose and direction, as God will underpin the endeavors and aspirations of those who trust in Him. This teaching would have resonated with the Israelites as a guide for personal conduct and decision-making, and it continues to be relevant for contemporary readers seeking divine wisdom in their daily lives.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H1556
    There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: גָּלַל
    Transliteration: gâlal
    Pronunciation: gaw-lal'
    Description: a primitive root; to roll (literally or figuratively); commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow.
  2. Strong's Number: H4639
    There are 221 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַעֲשֶׂה
    Transliteration: maʻăseh
    Pronunciation: mah-as-eh'
    Description: from עָשָׂה; an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property; 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.
  3. Strong's Number: H3068
    There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהֹוָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
    Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
  4. Strong's Number: H4284
    There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַחֲשָׁבָה
    Transliteration: machăshâbâh
    Pronunciation: makh-ash-aw-baw'
    Description: or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת; from חָשַׁב; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice); cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.
  5. Strong's Number: H3559
    There are 210 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: כּוּן
    Transliteration: kûwn
    Pronunciation: koon
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous); 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.