5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Discussion Companion • September 7–13
“He Shall Direct Thy Paths”
Today’s focus
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Notice where He may be inviting you to rely on Him more fully, one faithful step at a time.
Start here
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.”
Proverbs invites us to bring the Lord into our choices, worries, plans, relationships, and next steps. This reflection is meant to be a quiet way to reflect on where the Lord may be inviting us to trust Him more deeply this week. Read these verses, then complete the personal reflection below.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Personal reflection
Where is the Lord inviting me to trust Him more?
Choose the response that best describes where you are today. No one needs to be “always” on every question. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process, and the Savior helps us keep going.
Your reflection
Discuss together
What does trust look like in real life?
- Which part of Proverbs 3:5-6 feels particularly relevant today?
- Why is it sometimes hard to trust the Lord instead of our own understanding?
- What does it look like to acknowledge Him in “all” our ways?
- How has the Lord directed your path gradually rather than all at once?
- What is one small way that I can practice trusting the Lord this week?
Closing thought
The Lord often directs paths one step at a time.
Proverbs does not promise that every road will be easy. It promises that the Lord is trustworthy. As we acknowledge Him, He can give light, correction, wisdom, courage, and enough direction for the next step.
Continue studying
“He Shall Direct Thy Paths”
Our class discussion centers on trusting in the Lord with all our heart. The rest of the week’s reading also teaches wisdom, humility, Christlike communication, covenant faithfulness, and finding meaning in a temporary world.
Study this week
Additional themes from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Proverbs 1–4; 15–16
God’s wisdom is worth seeking.
Proverbs invites us to seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the Lord. Wisdom is not just being clever; it is learning to see life in the Lord’s light.
Proverbs 3:5–7; 4
Trust grows as we acknowledge the Lord.
Trusting the Lord is not passive. It includes prayer, humility, correction, remembering, and choosing the path of discipleship one step at a time.
Proverbs 15; 16:24–32
Our words can invite peace.
Proverbs teaches that words can either stir up anger or become a source of healing. Jesus Christ shows us how to speak truth with patience, courage, and love.
Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12
Mortal life is temporary, but discipleship gives it meaning.
Ecclesiastes names the uncertainty and temporary nature of mortal life, then points us back to what endures: fearing God, keeping His commandments, and trusting Him.
Additional Resources
Self-assessment from Preach My Gospel
This week's reflection is inspired by the private self-assessment pattern from Preach My Gospel and applies it to Proverbs 3–4.
Preach My Gospel, chapter 6: “How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?”
Attribute Activity
Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel helps missionaries reflect on their personal progress towards embodying Christlike attributes. The assessment at the end of Chapter 6 is a great way to reflect on our personal progress towards this goal.
Open the source assessmentAdditional Resources
Videos for continued study
Don’t Miss This
Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12
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Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12
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