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Posted by Found in Him (Member # 7596) on :

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Scott Commentary:

Entire dependence on the providence and promises of God in every undertaking, is here contrasted with a man’s “leaning to his own understanding.” He who “trusts in the Lord with all his heart,” is doubtless a true believer; and he expects the blessing from God on his lawful undertakings in the use of allowable means, and these alone: But he who “leans to his own understanding,” engages in such pursuits as are agreeable to his own inclinations, and relies on his own capacity, policy, or management, for success; and consequently he is under continual temptations to deviate from the path of duty, both as to the end proposed, and the way of humility, faith, piety, peace, and safety.

This is further recommended by the exhortations to know and “acknowledge God in all our ways.”–

1. WHEN a man undertakes nothing without consulting the word of God as to its lawfulness, and seeking his direction in prayer as to its expediency;

2. WHEN he seeks counsel, assistance, and a blessing from God in all his concerns;

3. WHEN he acknowledges his authority and providence, aiming to do his will and glorify his name;

4. WHEN he makes the Lord his Friend and Counselor in every thing, neglecting no proper means for discovering his will and ensuring his blessing:

5. THEN he “acknowledge him in all his ways,” and may confidently expect “that he will direct his paths.” And they who do this constantly, seldom fall into prejudicial mistakes, which almost universally arise from neglect of these rules, from men’s fondness for their own schemes, and partiality towards such measures as seem to promise external advantages, or accession to their reputation or enjoyment.