Proverbs 16:3 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Commit thy works unto the LORD , and thy thoughts shall be established.
World English Bible (WEB)
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.
What Proverbs 16:3 Means
The key word here is commit. The Hebrew literally means to roll something onto another, as one might roll a heavy stone or load, so the picture is of rolling your work onto God. Works or deeds covers whatever you are doing, from your job to your projects, and the verse invites you to place those into God's hands, not just ask for help at the end. The result is that your thoughts will be established, which means your plans become firm and steady. The WEB renders this as plans shall succeed, but the Hebrew word is closer to being made secure or set in order. That difference matters, because it does not guarantee that every plan works out as imagined. It suggests that when work is handed over to God and aligned with his purposes, the person's thinking becomes clearer and more stable.
Context of Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, with large sections traditionally attributed to Solomon, who is described in 1 Kings as famed for wisdom. This verse sits in a group of sayings about God's role in human planning, running through chapter 16. Verse 1 says the plans of the heart belong to people but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord, and verse 9 says a person plans his way but God directs his steps. To read the whole book, see random verse from Proverbs.
How to Apply Proverbs 16:3
Before starting an important project or decision, try writing down what you plan and then praying through it, offering it to God and asking for clarity. Revisit it afterwards. You can still work hard and make plans; the verse simply asks that you hold them with open hands and accept guidance, including correction.
Related Verses
- Psalm 37:5 – Commit thy way unto the LORD ; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
- James 4:13-15 – Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Guidance, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does commit your works to the Lord mean?
It means entrusting your work and plans to God instead of relying only on yourself. The Hebrew picture is rolling a burden onto someone. In practice it involves praying over your decisions, seeking guidance and accepting that God may direct or change the plan.
Does Proverbs 16:3 guarantee success?
Not in a simple way. Proverbs describe general patterns of wisdom, not promises. The KJV speaks of thoughts being established, meaning steady and clear, while some translations say plans succeed. Many readers understand it as God stabilizing your purposes, even if results differ from your expectations.
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