Proverbs 3:23-26
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This promise isn't just about avoiding physical trips; it means you won't "strike your foot" against the hidden snares and temptations that trip up others. Living by wisdom offers a deep sense of inner security and divine protection, keeping you from falling into sin and its damaging consequences.
Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a series of promises that follow the exhortations to hold onto wisdom and discretion. After urging the reader to keep sound wisdom and good sense in sight, the text assures them that this path leads to security. It contrasts this protected walk with the stumbling and falling that often befall those who disregard wisdom.
Ever feel like you're navigating life with unseen dangers lurking? This verse offers a profound promise of security.
This promise of walking 'securely' and not stumbling isn't about a life free from challenges. Instead, it speaks to a deep, abiding protection that comes from living according to wisdom. Think of it like having a divine escort.
Walking with Confidence
When we commit to following God's wisdom, we're not left to fend for ourselves. The original language suggests a confidence and security that comes from trusting in God's providence. It's about managing our daily lives and responsibilities with a sense of peace, knowing we are under God's care.
Kept from Falling
This protection guards against stumbling not just in our practical affairs, but crucially, in our spiritual walk. It means being shielded from falling into sin and the troubles that often follow, and being kept on the right path, even when temptations arise.
What does it mean to have your 'foot not stumble'? It's more than just avoiding physical trips.
The imagery of not stumbling is powerful. It points to maintaining stability and not falling into error or sin. This is directly linked to the 'sound wisdom and discretion' mentioned just before this verse.
The Path of Wisdom
Wisdom acts as a guide, illuminating the path ahead and helping us avoid hidden pitfalls. When we internalize and live by God's wisdom, our steps become more steady. We are less likely to be tripped up by the deceptive tricks of the world or the temptations that lead us astray.
Ask a follow-up
Avoiding the Stumbling Blocks
Sin and spiritual trouble are often the result of missteps. By adhering to wisdom, we are kept from those critical errors. It's about navigating life with a spiritual sure-footedness that allows us to progress in our faith and duty without succumbing to destructive forces.
Understand the original words
beṭaḥ · Hebrew Adverb/Noun
Describes a state of safety, confidence, and protection. Biblically, this security is not an absence of trials but a firm trust in God's providence and faithfulness.
paḥad · Hebrew Noun
A state of alarm, dread, or reverence. While it can refer to the appropriate "fear of the Lord," here it refers to the paralyzing anxiety caused by external threats or the judgment of God.
šōʾâ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to total destruction, desolation, or calamity. It often describes the end result of the rebellious path of those who reject God’s instruction.
rāšāʿ · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Used to describe those who consciously choose a path of rebellion, injustice, or moral corruption against God’s standard. They stand in contrast to the righteous who seek God’s wisdom.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping, self-existent One who reveals Himself to His people. It signifies His holiness, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His promises.
kislah · Hebrew Noun
A sense of security, assurance, or trust. Biblically, it refers to the firm foundation of one's hope placed in God's character and promises rather than in human strength.
shamar · Hebrew Verb
To guard, protect, watch over, or preserve. It implies an active, sovereign care that prevents harm or keeps someone from straying from God's path.
This passage speaks of God's angels guarding believers, ensuring they don't strike their feet against stones, directly echoing the security promised in Proverbs 3:23.
Psalm 119:105It describes God's word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, connecting the idea of secure walking with the guidance of divine wisdom.
Romans 8:28This verse assures believers that all things work together for good for those who love God, highlighting a deeper security and divine purpose in their journey, even through difficulties.
1 Peter 1:5-6It speaks of being protected by God's power through faith, leading to salvation and causing rejoicing, which aligns with the confident and secure walk promised in Proverbs.
Proverbs 4:12This verse explicitly states that wisdom will lead you, and your steps will not be hindered, directly reinforcing the promise of an unhindered and secure path.
bensonProverbs 3:23: "Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble."
Proverbs 3:23 . Then shalt thou walk in thy way — Manage all thy employments and concerns safely, securely, or confidently, without danger or fear, casting thy care on God, in the discharge of thy duty. And thy foot shall not stumble — At those stumbling-blocks, trials, and temptations, at which heedless sinners commonly stumble, and by which they fall. Thy natural life, and all that belongs to it, shall be…
pooleProverbs 3:23: "Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble."
Walk in thy way; manage all thy employments and concerns. Safely, or securely , or confidently , without danger or fear; casting thy care upon God in the discharge of thy duty. Shall not stumble at those stumbling-blocks and temptations at which heedless sinners commonly stumble and fall. Thou shalt thereby be kept from falling into sin, and that mischief which generally attends upon it.
This promise isn't just about avoiding physical trips; it means you won't "strike your foot" against the hidden snares and temptations that trip up others. Living by wisdom offers a deep sense of inner security and divine protection, keeping you from falling into sin and its damaging consequences.
This verse is part of a series of promises that follow the exhortations to hold onto wisdom and discretion. After urging the reader to keep sound wisdom and good sense in sight, the text assures them that this path leads to security. It contrasts this protected walk with the stumbling and falling that often befall those who disregard wisdom.
This verse is part of a series of promises that follow the exhortations to hold onto wisdom and discretion. After urging the reader to keep sound wisdom and good sense in sight, the text assures them that this path leads to security. It contrasts this protected walk with the stumbling and falling that often befall those who disregard wisdom.
"Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the…" — This promise isn't just about avoiding physical trips; it means you won't "strike your foot" against the hidden snares and temptations that trip up others. Living by wisdom offers a deep sense of inn…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
