What other Scriptures warn against trusting unreliable people? Setting the Scene Proverbs 25:19 states, “Putting confidence in an unreliable man in times of trouble is like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint.” The imagery is vivid: when most needed, the unreliable person fails, bringing sharp pain and crippling disappointment. Parallel Warnings within Proverbs Scripture reinforces the lesson through additional proverbs that picture the high cost of misplaced trust: • Proverbs 10:26 – “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.” • Proverbs 26:6 – “Cutting off one’s own feet and drinking violence is sending a message by the hand of a fool.” • Proverbs 26:10 – “Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.” • Proverbs 20:19 – “A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler.” • Proverbs 14:7 – “Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his lips.” Voices from Psalms and Prophets The wisdom writings expand into clear prophetic cautions: • Psalm 118:8 – “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” • Psalm 146:3-4 – “Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans perish.” • Jeremiah 17:5 – “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.” • Micah 7:5 – “Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your embrace.” • Isaiah 2:22 – “Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?” • Isaiah 30:2-3 – “They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection… But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and refuge in the shadow of Egypt your disgrace.” New Testament Echoes The caution carries forward for believers in every age: • Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” • John 2:24-25 – “But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men… He knew what was in a man.” • 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” • 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” • 2 Timothy 3:1-5 – People will be “lovers of self… treacherous… having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these.” Living the Wisdom Scripture consistently urges reliance on the Lord rather than on those who prove faithless. Trusting His faithful character guards hearts from the crippling effects described in Proverbs 25:19 and secures a path of steady, dependable guidance. |
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