Proverbs 3:26

KJV

For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} shall be thy confidence {H3689}, and shall keep {H8104} thy foot {H7272} from being taken {H3921}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for you can rely on ADONAI; he will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Berean Standard Bible

for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah will be thy confidence, And will keep thy foot from being taken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:26 offers a profound promise of divine security and steadfastness to those who place their trust in the Lord. It assures the believer that God Himself is the ultimate source of inner confidence and unwavering protection, guarding one's life from the snares and pitfalls that threaten to derail or entrap. This verse serves as a powerful culmination of the preceding admonitions to embrace wisdom and rely wholeheartedly on God's guidance, establishing a direct correlation between faithful obedience and divine preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:26 is situated within the opening chapters of the book of Proverbs, which primarily consist of a father's earnest instructions to his son on how to live a life of wisdom, integrity, and blessing. The chapter begins by emphasizing the benefits of embracing God's commands—long life, peace, and favor with God and man, as detailed in [Proverbs 3:1-4](/proverbs/3-1-4 "Proverbs 3:1-4 - Benefits of Wisdom"). Crucially, the immediate context (Proverbs 3:5-12) exhorts the reader to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding," a foundational principle found in [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord"). It also includes calls to honor God with one's wealth ([Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honoring God with Your Substance")) and to not despise His discipline ([Proverbs 3:11](/proverbs/3-11 "Proverbs 3:11 - Not Despising Discipline")). Verses 21-25 then speak of wisdom as a preservative, guiding one's steps safely and allowing one to "walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble." Verse 26, therefore, acts as a direct consequence and powerful assurance, explaining *why* one can walk securely: because the Lord Himself is the foundation of confidence and the active guardian of one's path, protecting from the very dangers mentioned in the preceding verses, such as fear of sudden disaster or attack from the wicked ([Proverbs 3:25](/proverbs/3-25 "Proverbs 3:25 - No Fear of Disaster")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in the ancient Near East, where practical advice for living a successful and virtuous life was highly valued. The imagery of "keeping the foot from being taken" evokes a common ancient world reality: travel on unpaved roads, through wilderness, or even within cities, was fraught with dangers like hidden traps, snares set for animals (which could also injure humans), or ambushes by robbers. The "foot" (Hebrew: _regel_) is not merely a physical appendage but a metonym for one's entire life journey, one's path, or one's conduct. To have one's foot "taken" or "snared" meant to be tripped up, caught, or to fall into ruin, whether physically, morally, or financially. The promise of divine protection was thus deeply relevant to a people navigating a world with inherent physical and social perils, emphasizing God's active involvement in the daily lives of His faithful.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 3:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Confidence and Security**, asserting that true peace and assurance are found not in human strength or worldly resources, but solely in the Lord. This contrasts sharply with the folly of self-reliance, a recurring motif in Proverbs. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Preservation**, portraying God as an active guardian who intervenes to shield His people from harm, both seen and unseen. This theme resonates deeply with the psalmist's affirmations of God as a refuge and fortress, as seen in [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God Our Refuge"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the principle of **Consequential Blessing and Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God's protective care is a direct outcome of a life lived in trust and obedience to His wisdom, as articulated throughout [Proverbs chapter 3](/proverbs/3 "Proverbs 3 - The Blessings of Wisdom"). This reciprocal relationship between human trust and divine faithfulness is a cornerstone of biblical theology.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confidence (Hebrew, _keçel'_):** From the root meaning "fatness," this word literally refers to the "loin" or "viscera," which were considered seats of strength or vitality. Figuratively, it denotes "trust," "hope," or "security." In Proverbs 3:26, it signifies a deep, internal assurance and stability that comes from a settled reliance on God. It's not a superficial self-confidence, but a profound, visceral trust rooted in God's character, providing an unshakeable foundation for life.
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This primitive root properly means "to hedge about (as with thorns)," implying a strong, protective barrier. More broadly, it means "to guard," "to protect," or "to attend to." It conveys God's vigilant and comprehensive guardianship over the one who trusts Him, actively preventing harm and ensuring safety through diligent oversight and preservation.
* **taken (Hebrew, _leked'_):** This noun refers to "something to capture with," specifically a "noose" or "snare." It describes the state of being caught, trapped, or ensnared. In this verse, it vividly illustrates the dangers, pitfalls, or destructive forces—whether physical, moral, or spiritual—that God's protection prevents the believer from falling into, ensuring they are not tripped up or captured by ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD shall be thy confidence":** This clause establishes the ultimate source of security and inner stability. The introductory "For" links this promise directly to the preceding exhortations to trust in the Lord and embrace His wisdom. It declares that the Lord (Yᵉhôvâh, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God) Himself is not merely the *object* of our confidence, but the very *essence* and *provider* of it. Our assurance is not self-generated or derived from external circumstances, but flows directly from His unchanging character and faithful presence within us.
* **"and shall keep thy foot":** This phrase describes God's active, protective intervention in the believer's life. The "foot" (regel) symbolizes one's path, journey, or course of life. God's promise to "keep" (shâmar) implies a diligent, watchful guardianship over every step, every decision, and every direction one takes. It speaks to His sovereign control and loving care, ensuring that one's progress is secure and guided.
* **"from being taken":** This final clause clarifies the nature of God's protection. The imagery of the "foot being taken" (leked) evokes the danger of falling into a trap, a snare, or being tripped up and captured. God's protective hand prevents the believer from succumbing to the hidden dangers, moral pitfalls, or destructive forces that lie in wait. It signifies preservation from ruin, failure, or spiritual compromise, ensuring a stable and secure walk through life's perils.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "foot" represents one's life journey, conduct, or path, and "being taken" serves as a metaphor for falling into snares, traps, or destructive circumstances, whether physical, moral, or spiritual. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the vulnerability of human existence and the comprehensive nature of divine protection. There is also an element of **Personification** or **Anthropomorphism** in portraying the Lord as an active agent who "keeps" and is "confidence," attributing human-like actions of guarding and providing security to God. Furthermore, an implicit **Parallelism** exists between the first and second clauses, where "the LORD shall be thy confidence" (internal security) is paralleled by "and shall keep thy foot from being taken" (external protection), showcasing the holistic nature of God's care—both inward assurance and outward preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:26 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and His active, providential care for those who trust Him. It aligns with the broader theological theme of divine sovereignty, asserting that God is not a distant deity but intimately involved in the daily lives of His people, guiding their steps and guarding their paths. This verse portrays God as the ultimate source of security, contrasting with the futility of human self-reliance or the pursuit of worldly assurances. It speaks to the deep peace that comes from surrendering control and leaning on God's omnipotence and goodness, a peace that transcends circumstances and external threats. The promise of protection from being "taken" echoes the consistent biblical narrative of God as a deliverer who rescues His people from danger, whether from physical enemies, spiritual adversaries, or the consequences of their own folly.

* [Psalm 91:3-4](/psalms/91-3-4 "Psalm 91:3-4 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare")
* [Psalm 121:3-8](/psalms/121-3-8 "Psalm 121:3-8 - The Lord Our Keeper")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and numerous potential pitfalls—from financial instability to moral temptations, from health crises to relational breakdowns—Proverbs 3:26 offers an anchor of hope and a practical guide for living. It challenges us to examine where we truly place our confidence. Do we lean on our own understanding, our accumulated wealth, our social standing, or our intellectual prowess? Or do we, in humble recognition of our limitations, surrender our anxieties and aspirations to the Lord? This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's character and His unfailing faithfulness, knowing that He is actively watching over our lives. When we make Him our confidence, we are freed from the paralyzing grip of fear and anxiety, empowered to walk with a steady foot even on treacherous paths. This divine protection extends beyond physical safety to encompass our spiritual and emotional well-being, guarding us from the subtle snares of deception, discouragement, and sin that seek to trip us up.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to place your full confidence in the Lord, rather than in your own abilities or external circumstances?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of God as your "confidence" transform your approach to decision-making, especially when facing uncertain outcomes?**
* **Can you identify any "snares" or "traps" in your life (e.g., specific temptations, destructive habits, or unhealthy relationships) from which you need God's protective hand to keep your foot from being taken?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "the LORD shall be thy confidence"?**

Answer: This phrase means that the Lord Himself is the ultimate source and foundation of our security, assurance, and inner stability. It's not about having confidence *in* God as an external object, but rather God *being* our very confidence. He provides the unshakeable ground upon which we stand, enabling us to face life's challenges without fear or wavering. Our trust is rooted in His unchanging character, His power, and His covenant faithfulness, rather than in our own abilities or fleeting circumstances.

**What does "keep thy foot from being taken" signify?**

Answer: This vivid imagery refers to God's active protection against snares, traps, or any form of entrapment that could cause one to stumble, fall, or be captured. In ancient times, "being taken" often referred to being caught in a hunter's snare or falling into a pit. Spiritually and metaphorically, it means God protects us from moral pitfalls, temptations, deceptive schemes, and the destructive consequences of sin or folly. It assures us that God watches over our life's journey, guiding our steps and preventing us from falling into ruin or being derailed from His path. This promise is echoed in other scriptures, such as [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Snare").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of free will? Does God prevent all harm?**

Answer: This verse highlights God's protective sovereignty over those who trust Him, but it does not negate free will or promise a life entirely free from all adversity or consequences of choices. Instead, it assures that when our confidence is in the Lord, He actively guards our *path* and *prevents* us from being ensnared in ways that would ultimately destroy us or lead us away from His purpose. It speaks to divine preservation in the face of spiritual and moral dangers, and often physical ones. While believers may still experience trials and suffering, the promise is that God will sustain them through it, preventing their ultimate downfall or permanent capture by evil, ensuring their foot is not "taken" in a way that leads to eternal ruin, as seen in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of our confidence and the perfect expression of God's protective care. In a world full of snares—the snare of sin, the trap of death, the deception of the enemy—Jesus stepped into humanity to deliver us. He is the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), ensuring that [none of His own will be snatched out of His hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand"). Where humanity's foot was taken by sin and death, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, broke the power of the snare. He became our confidence, not merely by inspiring trust, but by being the living embodiment of God's faithfulness and power to save. The protection promised in Proverbs is fully realized in His work: He has [delivered us from the domain of darkness](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness") and transferred us to His kingdom. Through faith in Him, our spiritual "foot" is kept from being taken by the ultimate snares of eternal separation from God, as He is our [sure and steadfast anchor for the soul](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - An Anchor for the Soul"). He is our peace and our security, the one who [overcame the world](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World") and promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")).

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 91:3

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.

Proverbs 14:26

¶ In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

1 Samuel 2:9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Psalms 91:9

¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation;

Psalms 91:10

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Habakkuk 3:17

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.