Proverbs 3:26

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 3:26 offers a profound promise of security and stability to those who place their trust in the Lord. It serves as a comforting assurance within a larger discourse on the benefits of wisdom and obedience to God, emphasizing that God Himself is the ultimate source of steadfastness and protection.

Context

This verse is part of a father's instruction to his son, found in the opening chapters of Proverbs, which lay out foundational principles for a wise and blessed life. The preceding verses in Proverbs 3 speak to the blessings that come from embracing God's wisdom, such as long life, peace, and favor with God and man (Proverbs 3:1-2). Crucially, the chapter highlights the importance of trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Verse 26, therefore, presents a specific, powerful outcome of such trust: divine protection and inner steadfastness against life's perils.

Key Themes

  • Divine Confidence: The verse establishes the Lord as the ultimate source of confidence. This isn't a self-generated assurance but a deep, abiding trust in God's character, power, and faithfulness. It implies that true security and inner peace come from relying on Him, rather than on human strength, worldly resources, or personal intellect. This divine confidence allows one to face challenges without fear.
  • Divine Protection: The vivid phrase "shall keep thy foot from being taken" illustrates God's protective care. "Taken" (Hebrew: lakad) refers to being caught in a snare, trapped, or falling into a pit. This ancient imagery speaks to protection from spiritual pitfalls, moral temptations, physical dangers, and even the subtle traps laid by adversaries or unforeseen circumstances. It echoes the psalmist's plea for deliverance from the snare of the fowler, assuring us that God actively guards our steps.
  • The Fruit of Obedience and Trust: The "For" at the beginning of the verse links this promise directly to the preceding instructions in Proverbs 3. It suggests that when one lives according to God's wisdom—showing mercy and truth (Proverbs 3:3), honoring God with their substance (Proverbs 3:9), and embracing His ways—God reciprocates with His unfailing support and guardianship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "confidence" in this verse is mibtach (מִבְטָח), which conveys the sense of security, trust, or a place of refuge. It highlights a deep, settled reliance on God as one's sure foundation. The phrase "being taken" comes from the Hebrew verb lakad (לָכַד), meaning "to catch," "to seize," or "to ensnare." This emphasizes the protective aspect of God's care, preventing one from being caught in a trap or stumbling into danger. This divine guidance ensures that one's steps are not straitened, and they do not stumble, even in difficult paths.

Practical Application

In a world filled with uncertainties, anxieties, and temptations, Proverbs 3:26 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for daily living. It encourages believers to:

  • Cultivate Trust: Instead of seeking confidence in fleeting worldly things—like financial security, social status, or personal abilities—we are called to build our security on the unchanging character of God. This trust helps us navigate life's challenges with inner peace and resilience.
  • Seek Divine Wisdom: The promise of divine protection is intrinsically linked to living by God's wisdom. Making decisions rooted in biblical principles helps us avoid many of life's "snares," both evident and hidden, whether they are moral compromises, unwise financial choices, or harmful relationships.
  • Overcome Fear and Anxiety: Knowing that the Lord is our confidence and protector can significantly alleviate fear and anxiety about the future, personal safety, health, or financial stability. It shifts our focus from potential dangers to God's sovereign, loving care, empowering us to live boldly.

Ultimately, Proverbs 3:26 assures us that a life lived in humble reliance on God is a life secured by His unwavering presence and power, protecting us from the many ways we might otherwise fall and providing true confidence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 91:3 (23 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 14:26 (23 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 2:9 (23 votes)

    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 (18 votes)

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

  • Psalms 91:10 (18 votes)

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

  • Habakkuk 3:17 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

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