When you lie down, you will not be afraid;This phrase emphasizes the peace and security that comes from trusting in God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, night was often associated with danger and uncertainty, as it was a time when enemies could attack and wild animals roamed. The promise of not being afraid when lying down reflects a deep trust in God's protection, akin to the assurance found in
Psalm 4:8, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." This assurance is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting God's role as a protector and provider for His people.
when you rest,
Rest in the biblical sense often signifies more than just physical sleep; it implies a state of spiritual peace and contentment. The concept of rest is deeply rooted in the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day, setting a pattern for humanity (Genesis 2:2-3). In the New Testament, Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30), indicating that true rest is found in a relationship with God. This rest is a foretaste of the eternal rest promised to believers inHebrews 4:9-11.
your sleep will be sweet.
Sweet sleep is a metaphor for a life free from anxiety and fear, a gift from God to those who live in wisdom and righteousness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, sleep was a vulnerable state, and the assurance of sweet sleep was a significant blessing. This idea is echoed inPsalm 127:2, which states that God "grants sleep to those he loves." The sweetness of sleep can also be seen as a type of the peace that Jesus Christ offers, as He is the ultimate source of peace and rest for believers. The promise of sweet sleep is a reminder of the peace that surpasses all understanding, which guards the hearts and minds of those in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Proverbs is a collection of his wise sayings and teachings.
2.
IsraelThe nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his wisdom literature, providing guidance for living a life that honors God.
3.
Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical instructions for living a life that aligns with God's will.
Teaching Points
Trust in God for Peaceful RestThe promise of sweet sleep is tied to a life lived in trust and obedience to God. When we align our lives with His wisdom, we can rest without fear.
The Role of Wisdom in Daily LifeApplying the wisdom found in Proverbs leads to a life of peace and security, which naturally extends to our times of rest.
Overcoming Anxiety through FaithFear and anxiety can disrupt sleep, but faith in God's protection and provision can alleviate these concerns, leading to restful nights.
Practical Steps for Peaceful SleepEngage in prayer and meditation on Scripture before bed to calm the mind and focus on God's promises.
The Importance of a Clear ConscienceLiving righteously and maintaining a clear conscience before God and others contributes to peaceful sleep.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 3:24?
2.How can Proverbs 3:24 guide us to trust God for peaceful sleep?
3.What does "lie down without fear" teach about God's protection?
4.How does Proverbs 3:24 connect with Psalm 4:8 on restful sleep?
5.How can trusting God help alleviate anxiety before bedtime?
6.What practical steps can ensure our sleep reflects trust in God's promises?
7.How does Proverbs 3:24 provide comfort in times of fear or anxiety?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 3:24?
9.How does Proverbs 3:24 align with modern psychological understandings of sleep and rest?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3?
11.Can I lie down and sleep in peace?
12.What biblical guidance is there for dealing with insomnia?
13.Can I lie down and sleep in peace?
14.What is the Bible's view on lucid dreaming?What Does Proverbs 3:24 Mean
When you lie down-Proverbs 3:24 opens with the ordinary moment when the day is done: “When you lie down….”
- God is concerned with every detail, even the simple act of turning off the light and pulling up the covers (Psalm 121:4–5).
- Because He “grants sleep to those He loves” (Psalm 127:2), lying down is not merely a physical routine; it is an act of quiet confidence in His caretaking.
- David modeled this trust: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
you will not be afraid- The promise continues: “…you will not be afraid….” Fear often visits at night, yet here God extinguishes it.
- Reasons the believer can reject nighttime anxiety:
• God’s presence: “You will not fear the terror of the night” (Psalm 91:5).
• God’s peace: “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is stayed on You” (Isaiah 26:3).
• God’s Spirit: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
- The verse assumes a conscious choice to trust His promises rather than rehearse worries (Philippians 4:6-7).
when you rest- Solomon repeats the idea: “when you rest…,” emphasizing settled quiet, not just physical stillness.
- Rest here pictures a heart that has transferred its burdens to the Lord (Psalm 55:22).
- Like Israel at the Red Sea, we can “stand firm and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exodus 14:13-14) instead of striving.
- Jesus echoes this invitation: “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-29).
your sleep will be sweet- The result: “…your sleep will be sweet.” God doesn’t promise mere unconsciousness but refreshing, delightful sleep.
- Jeremiah experienced this: “At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me” (Jeremiah 31:26).
- Sweet sleep flows from:
• A clear conscience (Acts 24:16).
• A content heart (Hebrews 13:5).
• A mind stayed on God’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
- Even the hard-working laborer “enjoys sweet sleep” (Ecclesiastes 5:12) when satisfied in the Lord.
summarySolomon paints bedtime as a daily sermon: lie down aware of God’s watch, refuse fear, settle into His rest, and wake refreshed. Accepting these promises turns the simple act of closing our eyes into a testimony that the Lord truly holds our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows.
Verse 24. -
When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid. This is beautifully illustrated by what David says in
Psalm 4:8, "I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety." No fear is to be apprehended where Jehovah is Protector (see
Psalm 3:5, 6;
Psalm 46:1-3;
Psalm 91:1-5;
Psalm 121:5-8).
When, (
im) is rendered "if" by the Vulgate, LXX., Targum Jonathan.
Thou liest down;
tish'kav, "thou shalt lie down," kal future, like
shakavta, kal perfect, in the corresponding hemistich, is from
shakav, "to lie down," specially to lay one's self down to sleep, as in
Genesis 19:4;
Psalm 3:6. Vulgate,
si dormieris; cf.
Proverbs 6:22, "when thou sleepest"
בְּשָׁכְבְּך,
b'shok'b'ka). The LXX. rendering, "if thou sittest" (
κάθη), arises from reading
תֵּשֵׁב (
teshev) for
תִּשְׁכַב (
tish'kav)
Yea, thou shalt lie down;b'shok'b'ta, as before, with] prefixed, equivalent to the future, as in the Authorized Version; LXX.,
καθεύδῃς.
Shall be sweet;
arvah, from
arav, "to be sweet," or "pleasant," perhaps "well mixed," as
arev, equivalent to "to mix." Thy sleep shall be full of pleasing impressions, not restless, as in
Deuteronomy 28:66 and
Job 7:4, but sweet, because of the sense of safety, and from confidence in God, as well as from a good conscience (cf.
Job 11:18, "Thou shalt take thy rest in safety," from which the idea is probably taken).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whenאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notyou lie down,תִּשְׁכַּ֥ב(tiš·kaḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie downyou will notלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe afraid;תִפְחָ֑ד(ṯip̄·ḥāḏ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6342:To dread, be in dread or in awewhen you rest,וְ֝שָׁכַבְתָּ֗(wə·šā·ḵaḇ·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie downyour sleepשְׁנָתֶֽךָ׃(šə·nā·ṯe·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8142:Sleepwill be sweet.וְֽעָרְבָ֥ה(wə·‘ā·rə·ḇāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6149:To be sweet or pleasing
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:24 When you lie down you will not (Prov. Pro Pr) 
