for the LORD will be your confidence
This phrase emphasizes the role of the LORD as the ultimate source of security and assurance. In the biblical context, confidence in God is a recurring theme, as seen in Psalms 27:1, where the LORD is described as the light and salvation, removing fear. The Hebrew word for "confidence" here can also mean "refuge" or "hope," indicating a deep trust in God's protection and provision. Historically, the Israelites often faced threats from surrounding nations, and their survival depended on their reliance on God rather than their own strength or alliances. This trust is not passive but involves active faith, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like David and Daniel, who demonstrated confidence in God amidst trials. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of faith in Christ as the foundation of a believer's life, as seen in Hebrews 11:1, where faith is described as confidence in what we hope for.

and will keep your foot from the snare
The imagery of a "snare" suggests hidden dangers and traps, often used by hunters to catch prey. In the ancient Near Eastern context, snares were common and represented unforeseen perils. Biblically, snares often symbolize temptations or schemes of the enemy, as seen in Psalm 91:3, where God delivers from the "fowler's snare." The promise of God keeping one's foot from the snare implies divine guidance and protection from such hidden dangers. This assurance is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to be vigilant against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11) and to trust in God's deliverance. The phrase also points to the protective role of Jesus Christ, who, as the Good Shepherd, guides and guards His flock from spiritual harm (John 10:11-15). This protection is not just physical but also spiritual, ensuring that believers are kept safe from the snares of sin and deception.

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.

2. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and leadership as the king of Israel.

3. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, representing God's chosen people.

4. The Snare
A metaphor for dangers, temptations, or traps that can lead one away from righteousness.

5. The Path
Symbolic of one's life journey and the choices made along the way.Confidence in the LORD
Trust in God's character and promises as the foundation of your confidence.

Recognize that true security comes from reliance on God, not on worldly measures.

Avoiding the Snare
Be vigilant and discerning to recognize and avoid spiritual and moral traps.

Seek God's wisdom and guidance in making decisions that align with His will.

Walking the Path of Righteousness
Commit to a lifestyle that reflects God's teachings and values.

Regularly study Scripture to understand the path God has set before you.

God's Faithfulness
Reflect on past experiences of God's faithfulness to strengthen your trust in Him.

Share testimonies of God's protection and provision with others to encourage their faith.Verse 26. - Thy confidence (v'kis'leka); literally, as thy confidence. Kesel, primarily "loin" or "flank," as in Leviticus 3:14; Leviticus 10:15; Job 15:27, is apparently used here in its secondary meaning of "confidence," "hope," as in Job 8:14; Job 31:24; Psalm 78:7. The בְ (v') prefixed is what is usually termed the בְ essentiae, or בְ pleonasticum (equivalent to the Latin tanquam, "as"), and serves to emphasize the connection between the predicate "thy confidence" and the subject "Jehovah" (cf. Exodus 18:4; see Ewaht, 'Lehrb.,' 217, f.; and Gesenius, 'Gram.,' § 154). Jehovah shall be in the highest sense your ground and object of confidence. Delitzsch describes kesel as confidence in the presence of evil: Jehovah in the presence of the "sudden fear," and of "the desolation of the wicked," the evils and calamities which overwhelm the wicked, shall be thy confidence. The sense of his all-encircling protection will render you undismayed. The meaning given to kesel as "foolhardiness" (Psalm 49:14) and "folly" (Ecclesiastes 7:25). and the connection of kesel with k'silim in Proverbs 1:22, comes from the root idea kasal, "to be fleshly, or fat," the signification of which branches out on the one side into strength and boldness, and on the other into languor and inertness, and so folly or confidence in self (Schultens, i.e.). The Talmudic rendering of the Rabbi Salomon approximates to this meaning, "and the things in which you seemed to be foolish (desipere videbaris) he will be at once present with you." Others, as Ziegler, Muentinghe, gave kesel its primary meaning, and translate, "Jehovah shall be as thy loins," the loins being regarded as the emblem of strength. Jehovah shall be your strength. But kesel does not appear to have this local application here. Wherever it is used in this sense, as in Job and Leviticus cited above, there is something in the context to point it out as a part of the body. Compare, however, the Vulgate. in latere suo, "in thy side or flank." The LXX. renders, ἐπὶ πασῶν ὁδῶν σου, "over all thy ways." From being taken (millaked); Vulgate, ne capiaris, "lest thou be taken." The meaning is, Jehovah will be your protection against all the snares and traps which the impious lay for you. Leked, "a being taken," is from lakad, "to take or catch animals" in a net or in snares. It only occurs here in the Proverbs. Its unusual appearance, together with other reasons, not tenable, however, has led Hitzig to reject vers. 22-26 as an interpolation. The LXX. reads, πτόησιν, pavorem. Πτόησις, in Plato, Aristotle, and Plutarch, is used subjectively, and means "any vehement emotion." The word only occurs once in the New Testament in 1 Peter 3:6, μὴ φοβούμενη μηδεμίαν πτόησιν, where it is evidently quoted from the passage before us, in an objective sense, and designates some external cause of terror (cf. Authorized Version, "and be not afraid with any amazement;" see also Book of Common Prayer: 'Solemnization of Matrimony,' ad fin).

Parallel Commentaries ...


for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will be
יִהְיֶ֣ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

your confidence
בְכִסְלֶ֑ךָ (ḇə·ḵis·le·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3689: Fatness, the loin, the viscera, silliness, trust

and will keep
וְשָׁמַ֖ר (wə·šā·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

your foot
רַגְלְךָ֣ (raḡ·lə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

from the snare.
מִלָּֽכֶד׃ (mil·lā·ḵeḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3921: Something to capture with, a noose


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:26 For Yahweh will be your confidence (Prov. Pro Pr)