Proverbs 3

Trust in the LORD

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5–7

We are to trust Jehovah, the premortal Christ, with all our heart instead of our own understanding, and He will direct our paths.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

The LORD who chastens in love

Jehovah — the premortal Jesus Christ, the covenant God of Israel

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: Proverbs 3:11–12

The LORD corrects those He loves, the way a good father corrects a son he delights in. Jesus Christ speaks these same words in Revelation and in latter-day revelation.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• quoted by Hebrews 12:5-6 — 'My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord... For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.'
• alluded to by Revelation 3:19 — Christ to Laodicea: 'As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.'
• alluded to by D&C 95:1 — The Lord: 'whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven.'

Tree of Life

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. Proverbs 3:18

Wisdom is called a tree of life. In the Book of Mormon the tree of life represents the love of God shown in the gift of His Son, so the image softly points to Christ.

• alludes to Genesis 2:9 — The tree of life in the midst of the garden of Eden.

Creator

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. Proverbs 3:19–20

Jehovah founded the earth and the heavens. Latter-day Saints understand that Christ created the world under the Father's direction.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• the same event in John 1:3 — 'All things were made by him.'

Jehovah (the LORD)

Jehovah — the premortal Jesus Christ, the covenant God of Israel

For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Proverbs 3:26

Jehovah is the confidence of those who walk wisely and keeps them from being trapped.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

Grace to the lowly

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Proverbs 3:34

The LORD gives grace to the humble. James and Peter quote this line to teach that God's grace is given to the humble.

• quoted by James 4:6 — 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.'
• quoted by 1 Peter 5:5 — 'God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.'