16:3

The first line of this proverb gives a command. The second line gives the result of obeying the command.

3a Commit your works to the LORD

3b and your plans will be achieved.

16:3a

Commit…to the LORD: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “roll to/upon the LORD.” This figure of speech is a command to entrust something to the LORD so that you depend entirely on him for its outcome.

your works: In Hebrew, this phrase is another way of saying “your deeds/actions.” It does not refer to a person’s “work” or “occupation.”

The parallel phrase “your plans” in 16:3b implies that these deeds are future/planned deeds. They are not actions that the person is already doing. For example:

Ask the Lord to bless your plans (Good News Translation)

16:3b

and your plans will be achieved: Another way to translate this line is:

and what you plan will be achieved (New Jerusalem Bible)

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