Proverbs 22:19

KJV

That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thy trust {H4009} may be in the LORD {H3068}, I have made known {H3045} to thee this day {H3117}, even to thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

I want your trust to be in ADONAI; this is why I'm instructing you about them today.

Berean Standard Bible

So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.

American Standard Version

That thy trust may be in Jehovah, I have madethemknown to thee this day, even to thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:19 articulates the profound purpose behind the wisdom instruction imparted in the book: to cultivate a deep and unwavering reliance on the LORD. This verse serves as a foundational statement, revealing that the ultimate goal of acquiring knowledge and understanding is not merely earthly success or practical skill, but the establishment of a robust, personal trust in the divine character and promises of God. It underscores the intimate and intentional nature of this divine revelation, emphasizing its direct application to the individual's spiritual formation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:19 is situated within a distinct section of the Book of Proverbs, specifically from 22:17 to 24:34, often titled "The Sayings of the Wise." This segment differs slightly from earlier collections in Proverbs by presenting more direct, imperative instructions from a teacher or father figure to a student or son, rather than primarily standalone aphorisms. The verses immediately preceding 22:19 (e.g., [Proverbs 22:17-18](/proverbs/22-17 "Proverbs 22:17-18 - Heeding the Words of the Wise")) introduce the call to "incline your ear and hear the words of the wise," setting the stage for the reception of profound truths. This particular verse acts as a capstone or overarching purpose statement for the ensuing wisdom, indicating that all the practical and ethical counsel that follows is ultimately aimed at fostering a right relationship with God, centered on trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical skill for living a righteous and prosperous life in covenant with God. Instruction was often passed down orally from elders, parents, or sages to younger generations, emphasizing the importance of listening, memorizing, and applying these truths. The concept of "trust in the LORD" (Hebrew: *bāṭaḥ*) was deeply embedded in the Israelite worldview, contrasting sharply with reliance on human strength, political alliances, or pagan deities. In a society where life could be unpredictable and challenging, placing one's confidence in the sovereign God of Israel was both a theological conviction and a practical necessity for security and well-being, as seen throughout the historical narratives and prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - Trust and Rest in the LORD")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the wisdom literature and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Purpose of Wisdom**, asserting that true wisdom is not an end in itself but a means to a greater spiritual end: cultivating a deep relationship with God. Secondly, **Trust in the LORD** emerges as the central desired outcome, emphasizing a complete dependence on God's character, promises, and guidance above all else. This theme is foundational to the covenant relationship and is echoed in passages like [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart"). Thirdly, the phrase "I have made known to thee this day, even to thee" underscores the **Personal and Revealed Nature of Truth**. It implies an intimate teaching relationship, emphasizing that these truths are specifically for the individual's benefit and spiritual growth, highlighting God's initiative in revealing His ways for humanity's good.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trust (Hebrew, _mibṭâch'_):** H4009, derived from the root *bāṭaḥ*, meaning "to lean on" or "to rely upon." This word signifies a deep sense of security, confidence, and assurance. It is not a superficial hope but a settled conviction, like putting one's full weight on a strong support. In this context, it denotes a complete and unwavering reliance on the LORD, implying both intellectual assent and volitional commitment.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, the Jewish national name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." This is the covenant name of God, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises. The instruction to trust in "the LORD" specifically points to the personal, relational, and unchanging God of Israel, not a generic deity or abstract concept.
* **made known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know" or "to ascertain by seeing." This verb encompasses a wide range of meanings, including observation, recognition, instruction, and even intimate acquaintance. Here, it implies an imparting of knowledge or understanding that leads to a deeper, more intimate relationship with the subject of that knowledge. It suggests a deliberate, intentional act of revelation from the teacher (or God) to the recipient.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thy trust may be in the LORD":** This clause states the ultimate purpose or goal of the instruction. The "that" (לְמַעַן, *lema'an*) introduces a purpose clause, indicating that the preceding and following wisdom teachings are designed to lead the recipient to a state where their fundamental confidence and reliance are placed entirely upon Yahweh, the covenant God. It is not merely about gaining knowledge but about transforming the heart's orientation.
* **"I have made known to thee this day, even to thee":** This second clause highlights the personal and immediate nature of the instruction. The speaker (the wise teacher, or implicitly, God through the teacher) asserts that this profound truth, leading to trust in the LORD, has been specifically revealed and imparted. The repetition of "to thee" (לָךְ, *lakh*) serves as an emphatic personal address, underscoring the directness and individual relevance of the message. "This day" suggests a present, urgent, and decisive moment of revelation and decision.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:19 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The primary device is **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of wisdom literature, as the verse functions as a direct instruction or admonition from a teacher to a student. This is reinforced by the personal address, "to thee." The use of a **Purpose Clause** ("That thy trust may be in the LORD") clearly states the *telos* or ultimate aim of the imparted wisdom, framing all subsequent teachings within this overarching spiritual objective. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "to thee, even to thee" serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, drawing the recipient's attention to the personal and individual nature of the revelation. It underscores that this truth is not generic but specifically for the listener, demanding a personal response of trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the core theological truth that true wisdom is fundamentally relational, culminating in a right relationship with God. It asserts that the acquisition of knowledge and understanding is not an end in itself, but a means to deepen one's dependence and confidence in the Creator. This aligns with the biblical understanding that humanity's ultimate good and security are found in God alone, and that genuine wisdom flows from knowing and fearing Him. The call to trust in the LORD is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, portraying God as the unwavering source of stability, provision, and salvation in a world marked by uncertainty. It speaks to the necessity of faith as the foundation for all righteous living and spiritual flourishing.

* [Psalm 9:10](/psalms/9-10 "Psalm 9:10 - Those Who Know Your Name Trust in You")
* [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - Blessed is the Man Who Trusts in the LORD")
* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is Better to Trust in the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:19 serves as a timeless reminder that all true wisdom, whether gleaned from Scripture, experience, or education, should ultimately lead us to a deeper reliance on God. In a world that often encourages self-sufficiency, material accumulation, or reliance on human systems, this verse challenges us to re-evaluate the ultimate foundation of our lives. Are we building our security, hope, and peace on fleeting circumstances or on the unchanging character of the LORD? Engaging with God's Word and His wisdom is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a transformative process designed to reorient our hearts, moving us from anxious self-dependence to peaceful, confident trust in Him. This trust empowers us to navigate life's complexities with divine guidance and unwavering hope, knowing that our ultimate well-being is secured in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of your life are you currently relying on your own understanding or worldly resources, rather than placing your trust in the LORD?**
* **How does your pursuit of knowledge or personal development contribute to, or detract from, your trust in God?**
* **In what practical ways can you intentionally cultivate a deeper, more abiding trust in the LORD "this day"?**

### FAQ
**What does "trust in the LORD" truly mean in the context of Proverbs?**

Answer: In Proverbs, "trust in the LORD" (Hebrew: *mibṭâch* in this verse, from *bāṭaḥ*) signifies a profound, settled confidence and reliance on God. It's more than intellectual belief; it's a volitional act of leaning one's full weight upon God's character, promises, and wisdom. It implies acknowledging His sovereignty, submitting to His will, and finding security in His faithfulness, rather than in one's own abilities, wealth, or human schemes. This trust is foundational to living wisely and righteously, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart").

**Why does the verse emphasize "I have made known to thee this day, even to thee"?**

Answer: This emphasis highlights the personal, intentional, and immediate nature of the divine instruction. The phrase "I have made known" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*) implies a deliberate act of revelation or teaching. The repetition of "to thee, even to thee" underscores that this wisdom is not generic but specifically tailored and personally delivered to the individual recipient. It calls for a personal, present response of trust. It suggests that the teacher (and implicitly, God) has gone to great lengths to impart this vital truth, making it accessible and urgent for the listener to internalize and apply, thereby fostering an intimate relationship with the source of all wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:19, with its emphasis on placing one's trust in the LORD, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The wisdom imparted in Proverbs, designed to lead to trust in God, points forward to Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom. [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom") declares that Christ "has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." To truly trust in the LORD today is to place our faith in Jesus, who perfectly revealed the Father and accomplished the work of salvation. The "knowledge" that the wise teacher imparts, leading to trust, is fully realized in the gospel, where God has "made known" His plan of salvation through His Son (e.g., [Ephesians 3:3-5](/ephesians/3-3 "Ephesians 3:3-5 - The Mystery Made Known")). Our trust is no longer in abstract principles or general divine guidance alone, but in the person and work of Christ—His atoning sacrifice, His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the Good Shepherd in whom we find ultimate security and rest ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Therefore, the call to trust in the LORD in Proverbs 22:19 is a prophetic echo of the New Testament's invitation to saving faith in Jesus, the one in whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

1 Peter 1:21

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.