What Bible verses warn against self-reliance?
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.

How can we apply Proverbs 28:26 to decision-making in daily life?
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