Proverbs 3:6

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Add thou not unto his words, etc.] To the words of God; as the Jews did, by joining their oral law, or the traditions of the elders, to the written word, and preferring them before it; and as the Papists, by making their unwritten traditions, and the sense and determinations of their church, equal to the Scriptures; and as all enthusiasts do, who set up their pretended dreams, visions, revelations, and prophecies, upon a foot with the word of God, or as superior to it; whereas that is, and that only, the rule and standard of faith and practice, and is a sufficient and perfect one; (see <050402>Deuteronomy 4:2); lest he reprove thee; that is, God; either by words or by blows, by threatenings…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“ways-- (Psa 1:1). acknowledge--by seeking His wise aid (Pro 16:3; Psa 37:5; Jer 9:23-24). direct--literally, "make plain" (compare Heb 12:13).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Not in acts of solemn worship or great crises only, but “in all thy ways;” and then God will make the “path” straight and even. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“In: Pro 16:3, Pro 23:17; Sa1 4:11, Sa1 4:12, Sa1 30:8; Ch1 28:9; Ezr 7:27, Ezr 8:22, Ezr 8:23; Neh 1:11, Neh 2:4; Co1 10:31; Co2 8:16; Phi 4:6; Col 3:17, Col 3:23 and: Pro 16:9; Psa 25:8, Psa 25:9, Psa 32:8; Isa 30:21, Isa 48:17; Jer 10:23; Jam 1:5 Proverbs 3:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification