Then you will go on your way in safetyThis phrase emphasizes the promise of divine protection and guidance for those who adhere to wisdom and understanding. In the biblical context, "way" often symbolizes one's life journey or path. The assurance of safety is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting God's covenantal promise to protect His people. In
Psalm 91:11-12, God promises to command His angels concerning His faithful ones, to guard them in all their ways. The cultural context of ancient Israel, with its treacherous roads and potential threats from bandits or wild animals, underscores the significance of this promise. Theologically, this safety is not merely physical but also spiritual, indicating a life aligned with God's will and purpose.
and your foot will not stumble
The imagery of a foot not stumbling suggests stability and surety in one's walk, both literally and metaphorically. In biblical literature, stumbling often represents moral or spiritual failure.Psalm 121:3 assures that God will not let your foot slip, reinforcing the idea of divine support. The historical context of the ancient Near East, with its uneven terrain and rocky paths, makes this promise particularly poignant. Spiritually, it implies that those who follow God's wisdom will be kept from falling into sin or error. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of wisdom and the one who keeps believers from stumbling, as seen inJude 1:24, where it speaks of Jesus as the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed, representing God's chosen people who were to live according to His wisdom and commandments.
3.
The Path of WisdomA metaphorical journey that represents living a life guided by God's wisdom, leading to safety and stability.
Teaching Points
The Assurance of SafetyWalking in God's wisdom provides a sense of security and protection. When we align our lives with His teachings, we can trust that He will guide us safely through life's challenges.
Avoiding Spiritual StumblingBy adhering to God's wisdom, we are less likely to fall into sin or make poor decisions. This verse encourages us to seek divine guidance to prevent spiritual missteps.
The Importance of Daily GuidanceJust as we need daily physical sustenance, we require daily spiritual guidance. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us stay on the path of wisdom.
Trust in God's SovereigntyRecognizing that God is in control allows us to walk confidently, knowing that He has a plan for our lives and will keep us from stumbling.
Living with PurposeWalking in safety implies living with intentionality and purpose, guided by the principles of God's word, which leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3
Proverbs 3:23–24 speaks of safety and peaceful rest—how do we explain accidents and anxiety among believers who follow these teachings?
How does a lamp guide my path?
Proverbs 10:15 depicts wealth as a 'fortified city'--does this conflict with Jesus' warnings about riches in the New Testament?
Why do people ignore terms and conditions?Verse 23. -
Then shall thou walk in thy way safely. The first of the promises of protection, which follow from vers. 23-26. He who keeps "sound wisdom and discretion" shall enjoy the greatest sense of security in all situations of life.
Safely (
lavetakh); either in confidence, as Vulgate
fiducialiter, i.e. confidently, because of the sense of security (cf. LXX.,
πεποιθὼς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, and ver. 26); or in security: the adverb
lavetakh is equivalent to
betakh in
Proverbs 1:30 and Proverbs 10:9. The allusion is obvious. As he who is accompanied by an escort proceeds on his way in safety, so you protected by God will pass your life in security; or, as Trapp, "Thou shalt ever go under a double guard, 'the peace of God' within thee (
Philippians 4:7), and the 'power of God' without thee (
1 Peter 1:5)."
And thy foot shall not stumble; literally,
and thou shall not strike thy foot. Stumble in the original is
thiggoph, 2 singular kal future of
nagaph, "to smite, .... strike against with the foot." So in
Psalm 91:12. The Authorized Version, however, correctly gives the sense. The LXX., like the Authorized Version, makes "foot" the subject,
Ὁ δὲποῦς σου σὺ μὴ προσκόψῃ, "(That) thy foot may not stumble." For a similar assurance, see
Proverbs 4:12. The meaning is: You will not stumble, because you will be walking in the way of wisdom, which is free from stumbling blocks (Lapide). You will not fall into sin.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Thenאָ֤ז(’āz)Adverb
Strong's 227:At that time, place, thereforeyou will goתֵּלֵ֣ךְ(tê·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkon your wayדַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ(dar·ke·ḵā)Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionin safety,לָבֶ֣טַח(lā·ḇe·ṭaḥ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 983:A place of refuge, safety, safelyand your footוְ֝רַגְלְךָ֗(wə·raḡ·lə·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudendawill notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nostumble.תִגּֽוֹף׃(ṯig·gō·wp̄)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5062:To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict
Links
Proverbs 3:23 NIVProverbs 3:23 NLTProverbs 3:23 ESVProverbs 3:23 NASBProverbs 3:23 KJV
Proverbs 3:23 BibleApps.comProverbs 3:23 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 3:23 Chinese BibleProverbs 3:23 French BibleProverbs 3:23 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:23 Then you shall walk in your way (Prov. Pro Pr) 
