Which other Bible verses emphasize the danger of self-reliance? Proverbs 28:26 — Starting Point “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.” Wisdom’s Refrain: Trust the LORD, Not Yourself • Proverbs 3:5-7 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” • Proverbs 14:12 / 16:25 — “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” • Psalm 118:8-9 — “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man… than to trust in princes.” Prophetic Warnings Against Human Strength • Jeremiah 17:5 — “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.” • Isaiah 31:1 — “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.” Psalms: The Fragility of Human Help • Psalm 146:3-4 — “Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save… on that very day his plans perish.” Jesus’ Teaching: Dependence on Him Alone • John 15:5 — “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Luke 12:16-21 (Parable of the rich fool) — self-sufficiency leads to sudden ruin when God is ignored. Apostolic Echoes • 1 Corinthians 10:12 — “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • 2 Corinthians 3:5 — “Not that we are competent in ourselves… our competence comes from God.” • James 4:13-16 — Plans made without submitting to the Lord are arrogant and “all such boasting is evil.” Putting It Together • Scripture repeatedly unpacks Proverbs 28:26: any confidence anchored in self, people, resources, or plans apart from God is foolish. • True safety and wisdom flow from wholehearted trust in the Lord, humble reliance on His guidance, and continual submission to His will. |