“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)
Being wise means acknowledging that your understanding is limited. As a popular saying has it: the more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know. This should make us humble. “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 16:5). And fellow humans generally don’t appreciate arrogance either…
Furthermore, this insight should encourage us to put our trust in the LORD “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). He is the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). And He wants to share his wisdom with us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).
Today’s text urges us to trust God “with all our heart”. That goes further than intellectual consent. Such a trust shows confidence in God’s character as well. He is not only infinitely wise but also infinitely good. He will never deceive us.
On whose “understanding” do you lean — on your own or on God’s?