Topical Bible: Man: No Trust to be Placed In

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The Bible consistently emphasizes the fallibility and unreliability of mankind, urging believers to place their trust in God rather than in human beings. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the limitations and imperfections inherent in humanity.

Human Fallibility and Deception

The Bible acknowledges the inherent sinfulness and deceitfulness of the human heart. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse underscores the idea that human nature is fundamentally flawed and not to be relied upon for ultimate truth or guidance.

The Unreliability of Human Wisdom

Scripture warns against placing trust in human wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage encourages believers to seek divine wisdom rather than relying on their own limited perspective.

The Limitations of Human Strength

The Bible also highlights the limitations of human strength and power. Psalm 146:3-4 cautions, "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish." This psalm reminds readers that human leaders and authorities, despite their power, are ultimately mortal and transient.

The Consequences of Misplaced Trust

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of the consequences of placing trust in man rather than God. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This verse illustrates the futility and danger of relying on human resources and alliances instead of seeking divine assistance.

Divine Trustworthiness

In contrast to the unreliability of man, the Bible consistently portrays God as faithful and trustworthy. Numbers 23:19 declares, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" This verse affirms the steadfastness and reliability of God, who is unchanging and true to His word.

Encouragement to Trust in God

Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God alone. Psalm 118:8-9 states, "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." This passage serves as a reminder that true security and hope are found in God, not in human beings or institutions.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on the trustworthiness of man is clear: while humans are inherently flawed and unreliable, God is the ultimate source of truth, wisdom, and strength. Believers are called to place their trust in the Lord, who is faithful and unchanging, rather than in the transient and fallible nature of mankind.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 118:8
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:22
Cease you from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Inward Life
... 3. There is no great trust to be placed in a frail and mortal man, even though he
be useful and dear to us, neither should much sorrow arise within us if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter i of the inward.htm

The Love, Fear, Trust, and Honour which are Due from Man to God
... IV. Trust in God is a dutiful act of man, by which he ... as they are prescribed by law
and are man's duty, is ... of God and through his command, otherwise no one can ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxxii the love fear.htm

Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... how much this commandment requires, namely, that man's entire heart ... be placed in
God alone, and in no one else. ... the heart is nothing else than to trust in Him ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt have no other.htm

Blessed Trust
... 'No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.' Trust is inward,
and the outside of trust is an upright walk; and if a man has these ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/blessed trust.htm

The Mission of the Son of Man
... inasmuch as you belong to the righteous, and trust in yourselves ... in the blood of
Christ there is no portion for ... is right and wrong between God and man, and man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the mission of the son.htm

The Syrian Persecution.
... were punished by Antiochus, because he knew that no trust could be ... and a heavy tribute
afterwards; to keep no elephants to ... as to who might be a fit man to send ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm

The Healing Power of the Name
... Whosoever believeth' is no arbitrary limitation ... hand, was really one thing"'hath
made this man strong,' and ... should pass, as it will pass if we trust Him, into ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the healing power of the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke ix. 57, Etc. , Where the Case of ...
... my friends, lest haply they seek me as usual." And the Lord said, "No man putting
his ... And thou who art speaking, except thou hadst placed thy trust in Me ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon l on the words.htm

Commandment Eleventh. The Spirit and Prophets to be Tried by their ...
... Try by his deeds and his life the man who says that he is ... has power; but the spirit
which is earthly and empty trust not at all, for there is no power in it ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment eleventh the spirit and.htm

Faith
... If a man says he has faith, and has no works, he lies; if any man declares that ... not
lead a holy life, he makes a mistake; for while we do not trust in good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm