Topical Encyclopedia The concept of protection in the Bible is often juxtaposed with the futility of relying on material wealth for security. Scripture consistently emphasizes that true safety and refuge are found in God alone, rather than in the accumulation of riches.Biblical Warnings Against Trusting in Riches The Bible provides numerous warnings against placing trust in wealth as a source of protection. In Proverbs 11:28 , it is written, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This verse highlights the transient nature of wealth and contrasts it with the enduring prosperity of the righteous, who place their trust in God. Similarly, in Psalm 49:6-7 , the psalmist declares, "They trust in their wealth and boast in great riches. No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God." Here, the psalmist underscores the inability of wealth to provide ultimate security or redemption, pointing to the limitations of material possessions in matters of eternal significance. The Illusion of Security in Wealth The Bible also illustrates the illusion of security that riches can create. In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus warns against the false sense of security that wealth can bring. Luke 12:19-21 recounts the rich man's thoughts: "Then I will say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God." This parable serves as a stark reminder that earthly wealth cannot guarantee protection from life's uncertainties or from the ultimate reality of death. The rich man's reliance on his abundance is shown to be futile when faced with the sovereignty of God. God as the True Source of Protection Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as the ultimate protector and refuge for His people. Psalm 46:1 affirms, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This verse reassures believers that God's protection is constant and reliable, unlike the fleeting security offered by wealth. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Timothy 6:17 , instructing, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." Paul emphasizes that hope and trust should be placed in God, who is the true provider and protector, rather than in the uncertain and unstable nature of riches. The Call to Trust in God The Bible calls believers to place their trust in God rather than in material wealth. Proverbs 18:10-11 contrasts the security found in God with the false security of riches: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination." This passage illustrates the stark difference between the real protection offered by God and the imagined security of wealth. Ultimately, the biblical narrative encourages believers to seek protection and refuge in God, who is unchanging and faithful, rather than in the temporary and unreliable nature of earthly riches. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 11:4,28Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zephaniah 1:18 Library On the Danger of Increasing Riches Thou Spreadest Before Me a Table in the Presence of Mine Enemies. Divine Support and Protection Rest for the Weary The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed. On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744) On the Worthy Praise of the Pure Queen of Heaven. Concerning the Revolt of the Trachonites; How Sylleus Accused ... On the Fast of the Tenth Month. Galilee Resources What are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Aaronic Blessing? | GotQuestions.org What is holy magic hair? | GotQuestions.org Protection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Protection is Afforded to Returning Sinners Protection is Afforded to The Church Protection is Afforded to The Oppressed Protection is Afforded to The Perfect in Heart Protection is Afforded to The Poor Protection is Afforded to Those Who Hearken to God Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in all Dangers Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in all Places Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Calamities Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Death Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Defeating the Counsels of Enemies Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Defending Them Against Their Enemies Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Their Feet Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Evil Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Falling Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Temptation Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them in the Way Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Persecution Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Preserving Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Providing a Refuge for Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Sleep Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Strengthening Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Temptation Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Upholding Them Protection of God Is: Effectual Protection of God Is: Encouraging Protection of God Is: Indispensable Protection of God Is: Often Afforded Through Means Inadequate in Themselves Protection of God Is: Perpetual Protection of God Is: Seasonable Protection of God Is: Unfailing Protection of God Is: Uninterrupted Protection: God is Able to Afford Protection: God is Faithful to Afford Protection: Not to be Found in Horses Protection: Not to be Found in Hosts Protection: Not to be Found in Idols Protection: Not to be Found in Man Protection: Not to be Found in Riches Protection: Saints: Acknowledge God As Their Protection: Saints: Praise God For Protection: Withdrawn from The: Backsliding Protection: Withdrawn from The: Disobedient Protection: Withdrawn from The: Obstinately Impenitent Protection: Withdrawn from The: Presumptuous Protection: Withdrawn from The: Unbelieving Related Terms |
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