Our Favorite Proverbs: He Will Make Your Paths Straight, Proverbs 3:5-6

by Marilynn Chadwick

"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

When I became a follower of Jesus many years ago, I was intrigued to notice how the words in the Bible suddenly made sense to me. What I had dismissed as a "dead book" in my early twenties suddenly came to life.

Two verses that became anchor verses for me over the years are found in Proverbs 3:5-6. They promised that if I would trust God, something very new for me at the time, and not lean on my understanding, he would direct my paths. Since I had leaned heavily on my own mind and problem-solving ability, this was a radical shift.

The Bible challenged me not only to trust God but also to depend upon his mind. The promise that followed was powerful: He would direct my path, my "way of life." Moving from an unbeliever to a devoted follower of Jesus was a huge adjustment. So, I memorized these and other Bible verses as I continued to immerse myself in God's Word.

Fast forward to more than a decade later when we finally had our children. As our three children grew, I was passionate about helping them understand God's Word from the earliest days. I would find verses that were easy to memorize and make up simple songs to go with them. I happened to ask my now grown son the other day if he could remember Proverbs 3:5-6. I had to laugh when he immediately sang the verses, complete with hand motions to go with them: 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight!" He knew the verses by heart. And I'd like to think he has applied them over the years when he faced decisions or needed wisdom. I know I have.

But here's the thing. Since I have hidden these words in my heart (Psalm 119:11), they are ready and available whenever I need them. Just the other day, I was talking with a young technician trying to solve our internet issue. When he finished, we struck up a conversation. Turns out he was trying to decide about whether to make a career change that would involve a big move. I casually quoted these verses from Proverbs and explained how I've turned to them when needing guidance. He was visibly moved and asked if I would pray for him. I prayed a simple prayer and encouraged him to read Proverbs 3:5-6 on his own. God's Word is living and active, so you never know. Two short verses from Proverbs may just open the door for this young man to "trust God and lean not on his own understanding."