Another Look At Proverbs 3:5-6

I’d like to challenge us to take another look at a very familiar passage. Yesterday David, Edith, Ruth and I had a good discussion about the necessity of learning to “live in the tension” as believers who have embraced the Hebraic Roots of the Christian Faith.

I thought Proverbs 3:5-6 might hold the key to some encouraging thoughts as we anticipate walking this not so simple path.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

So familiar, eh? And yet, it is a timely reminder, particularly when we begin to contemplate the word “ways”, which comes from the word derek in Hebrew. Derek (H1870) is a noun that derives from the verb darak (H1869), which means “to walk.” So we understand that derek can be understood to mean “the way that one walks” or the path that one walks. What word does that remind you of? Yep – halacha: way or manner of walking.

We might responsibly re-read Proverbs 3:5-6 like this:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your halacha acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

As we contemplate being trailblazers in a world that has forgotten the rule or standard by which good is measured, we can be assured that as we trust in the LORD, and as we acknowledge Him in our attempts to put His teaching into practice, He will straighten our paths.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Galatians 6:7 ESV)

Be strong and courageous. The LORD will not leave you nor forsake you.