Why is trusting in man considered a curse?

I. Introduction to the Concept of Trusting in Man

Trust in human power or wisdom has historically been cautioned against in the biblical record. While Scripture commends interpersonal support and love, it consistently highlights placing ultimate reliance on God rather than on any human authority. According to the text, depending solely on finite human abilities neglects the sovereignty of the Creator who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and eternal.

II. Scriptural Basis for the Warning

1. Jeremiah 17:5 – “Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.’”

This serves as the foundational verse that directly labels the act of trusting in man at the exclusion of God as a curse. The caution is stark: it is not a warning merely to refrain from healthy confidence in others, but a warning against redirecting one’s ultimate allegiance away from God.

2. Psalm 118:8–9 – “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”

These verses place the focus on God as the sure refuge. Even high-ranking human leaders fall short in offering genuine security. The phrase “it is better” underscores a comparative admonition, representing the idea that human strength, no matter how great, pales before the trustworthy nature of God.

3. Isaiah 2:22 – “Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?”

Here, humanity’s fragile mortality is contrasted with God’s eternal power. The brevity of human existence is reason enough to refrain from placing ultimate dependence on any person.

III. The Theological Reasoning

1. God’s Supremacy Over Creation

From Genesis (cf. Genesis 1:1) onward, Scripture teaches that the LORD created the heavens and the earth. This sets Him apart from the limited realm of human existence. Trusting in the One who spoke the universe into being surpasses reliance on any created being.

2. The Fall and Human Limitations

The account of the Fall (Genesis 3) demonstrates how humanity’s nature became marred by sin. Reliance on finite, fallen individuals—who themselves require redemption—results in spiritual peril. In contrast, looking to the sinless God for guidance and salvation aligns individuals with His perfect will.

3. Restoration Through Divine Means

Scriptures point forward to the ultimate redemptive act through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Only God’s intervention provides true salvation. Trust in humanity alone bypasses the necessary reconciliation available through Christ.

IV. Historical and Archaeological Corroboration

1. Dead Sea Scrolls and Manuscript Integrity

Archaeological findings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the remarkable consistency of biblical manuscripts over millennia. This consistency underlines the trustworthiness of scriptural claims, including warnings against overly depending on human power and intellect.

2. Evidence of Fulfilled Prophecy

Prophecies throughout Scripture, such as those in Isaiah detailing future events, have been verified with historical confirmations (e.g., Cyrus’s edict to return exiles in Isaiah 44:28–45:1). This fulfillment bolsters the validity of Scripture’s overarching message, including its caution to trust God rather than man.

V. Philosophical and Behavioral Implications

1. Instability of Human Wisdom

Observations throughout history show that human ideologies, governments, and societal structures are prone to error and collapse. Behavioral studies highlight that people are fallible and can betray trust, intentionally or unintentionally. Scripture’s perspective resonates with these findings, teaching that an unshakable foundation is found only in the eternal God.

2. Consequences of Misplaced Trust

Many biblical narratives showcase the dire outcomes when leaders and nations forsake God and place confidence in human strength alone (e.g., Tower of Babel in Genesis 11). Such reliance fosters hubris, fosters spiritual decline, and ultimately invites calamity.

3. The Human Heart’s Response

From a behavioral standpoint, trusting exclusively in people can lead to disappointment and despair. Scripture offers a remedy: turning away from human-centered confidence and placing hope in God. As Jeremiah 17:7 states, “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is Him.” This is not a call to abandon healthy relationships or structures but to prioritize the sovereignty of God in all matters.

VI. Practical Application and Conclusion

1. Balancing Human Support and Divine Trust

While Scripture advocates for mutual encouragement (cf. Galatians 6:2), it refrains from endorsing humanity as the ultimate source of deliverance. One can build relationships, learn from mentors, and cherish community while maintaining that true security comes from the LORD.

2. Living in Reverential Dependence

A proper perspective sees all blessings—such as modern technology, medicine, or human skills—as gifts from God rather than ends in themselves. Recognizing these as instruments under Divine authority prevents the error of idolizing mankind’s achievements.

3. Christ as the Foundation of Hope

The greatest expression of God’s ability to save, in contrast to human inability, is seen in the resurrection of Christ. This singular event confirms that the Creator transcends death itself—a feat impossible for humans to replicate. Therefore, for genuine spiritual fulfillment and ultimate salvation, turning to Christ is paramount.

Trusting in man is considered a curse because it elevates finite, fallible beings over the infinite Creator. Throughout Scripture, this misplaced reliance is shown to bring disappointment and spiritual ruin. By contrast, trust in God leads to blessing, stability, and a secure hope anchored in the life and resurrection of Christ.