5-6 Several specific instructions compose this general admonition to be faithful. The first is to trust in the Lord and not in oneself, because he grants success. "Trust" carries the force of relying on someone for security; the confidence is to be in the Lord and not in human understanding. Such trust must be characterized by total commitment—"with all your heart," "in all your ways." "Understanding" is now cast in a sinful mode (cf. 1:2, 6); so there is to be a difference between the understanding that wisdom brings and the natural understanding that undermines faith. When obedient faith is present, the Lord will guide the believer along life's paths in spite of difficulties and hindrances. The idea of "straight" contrasts to the crooked and perverse ways of the wicked.

7-8 Thus far the Sermon on the Mount lays down the righteousness, sincerity, humility, purity, and love expected of Jesus' followers; now it assures them such gifts are theirs if sought through prayer. In three imperatives ("ask," "seek," "knock") symmetrically repeated (v.8) and in the present tense to stress the persistence and sincerity required, Jesus assures his followers that, far from demanding the impossible, he is providing the means for the otherwise impossible. Far too often Christians do not have the marks of richly textured discipleship because they do not ask, or they ask with selfish motives (Jas 4:2-3). Like a human father, the heavenly Father seeks to teach his children courtesy, persistence, and diligence.

6 Though the OT does not say that Enoch had faith, the author goes on to explain why he can speak of it so confidently. It is impossible to please God without faith, and Enoch pleased God. Therefore, it is clear that he must have had faith. The author lays it down with the greatest of emphasis that faith is absolutely necessary. He does not say simply that without faith it is difficult to please God; he says that without faith it is impossible to please him! There is no substitute for faith. He goes on to lay down two things required in the worshiper. First, he must believe that God exists. This is basic. Without it there is no possibility of faith at all. But it is not enough of itself. After all, the demons can know that sort of faith (Jas 2:19). There must also be a conviction about God's moral character, belief "that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Without that deep conviction, faith in the biblical sense is not a possibility.