Topical Bible: Man: The Help of, Vain

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In the biblical context, the concept of the "help of man" being "vain" underscores the futility and insufficiency of relying solely on human strength and wisdom apart from divine assistance. This theme is recurrent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the limitations of human capability and the necessity of trusting in God.

Scriptural References:

1. Psalm 60:11 : "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless." This verse highlights the inadequacy of human help in the face of adversities and the need for divine intervention. The psalmist acknowledges that victory and deliverance come from God, not from human alliances or strength.

2. Psalm 108:12 : "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless." This repetition from Psalm 60:11 reinforces the message that human efforts, without God's blessing, are ineffective. The psalmist's plea for divine aid reflects a deep reliance on God rather than on human resources.

3. Isaiah 31:1 : "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This passage warns against placing trust in military might and foreign alliances instead of seeking the Lord. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on human power rather than divine guidance.

4. Jeremiah 17:5 : "This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.'" Here, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's warning against placing trust in human strength. Such reliance leads to a departure from God, resulting in spiritual barrenness and curse.

5. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 : "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." King Hezekiah's words to the people of Judah contrast the limited power of human armies with the omnipotence of God. This passage illustrates the superiority of divine help over human strength.

Theological Implications:

The biblical teaching that the help of man is vain serves as a reminder of human limitations and the necessity of divine reliance. It calls believers to place their trust in God rather than in human institutions, abilities, or alliances. This theme encourages a posture of humility, recognizing that true strength and deliverance come from the Lord.

Throughout Scripture, the futility of human help is juxtaposed with the sufficiency of God's power and faithfulness. Believers are urged to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and strength in all circumstances, acknowledging that apart from Him, human efforts are ultimately futile. This reliance on God is foundational to a life of faith, underscoring the importance of prayer, obedience, and trust in the divine will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 60:11
Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That Man Hath no Good in Himself, and Nothing Whereof to Glory
... Thy hand to help me; because Thou alone canst aid without help of man ... But I am vanity
and nothing in Thy sight, a man inconstant and ... This also is utterly vain. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xl that man hath.htm

Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride
... Vain is the life of that man who putteth his trust in men or in any created Thing. ...
Do what lieth in thy power, and God will help thy good intent. ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter vii of fleeing from.htm

Costly and Fatal Help
... narrative illustrates for us the crowd of vain helpers to ... and foul shape seemed to
promise some help, there went ... that of a godless and desperate man who will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/costly and fatal help.htm

Job's Question, Jesus' Answer
... examples of a doubting, superficial hold of the truth that man lives through ... height
in believing that 'even now'"at this moment when help is vain and hope ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jobs question jesus answer.htm

That we must not Believe Everyone, and that we are Prone to Fall ...
... Lord, be thou my help in trouble, for vain is the help of man.(1) How often have
I failed to find faithfulness, where I thought I possessed it. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xlv that we must.htm

The Fortieth Chapter: Man Has no Good in Himself and Can Glory in ...
... For You alone, without human aid, can help me and strengthen me so ... In Your sight
I am vanity and nothingness, a weak, unstable man. ... This, too, is utterly vain. ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fortieth chapter man has.htm

Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace
... in Me; neither beside Me is there any strong help, nor profitable ... the day is the
evil thereof.(2) It is vain and useless ... 3. "But it is the nature of man to be ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxx of seeking divine.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus
... Must they fall "like one of the people?" Is there no help? A rich man in London,
some years ago, when the physician told him he must die, gnashed his ... Vain hope ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 112 the rich man.htm

Psalm CXVI.
... For I thought I might rejoice and exult in the vain help of man; but when I had
heard from my Lord, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted:" ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxvi.htm

For Though a Man Should be by no Means Greatly Advantaged by ...
... Moreover, it is proper that the righteous man should not ... Wisdom availeth more in
the way of help than a ... of considering the follies and the vain counsels of the ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter vii for though a.htm