LEAN not on your own understanding

[tonychanyt]

Pr 3:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

The above was Hebrew antithetic parallelism. The second line contrasted with the first, presenting an opposing or complementary idea to reinforce the message.

Lean on the Lord; Trust in the Lord. Do not rely only on your own understanding apart from the Lord.

Does it mean never using our own judgment or reasoning?

No, that's impossible; humans are reasoning animals. It means that while we do our reasoning, it should be guided by the Lord. Our reasoning should rely on God.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Strong's Hebrew: 3045. יָדַע (yada) — 942 Occurrences

BDB:

1. a. know
   f. recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
2. know a person, be acquainted with

Whatever you do or say, acknowledge the Lord that you know him. He will guide your paths. You will be walking in the Spirit.

How?

Regularly talk to God about your decisions, struggles, and desires. Ask for his guidance and wisdom. Listen to him.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.

Again, lean not on your own selfish understanding.

The imagery of "leaning" suggests putting one's weight on something for stability, much like leaning on a physical object for support. However, it warns against making one's own understanding the primary source of that support. Instead, it encourages trust in God’s wisdom and guidance.