Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, trust is a profound reliance on God, His promises, and His character. However, Scripture also warns of the dangers and consequences of placing trust in falsehoods, idols, or human strength. The Bible consistently emphasizes the woe and curse that accompany misplaced trust, urging believers to discern and remain steadfast in their faith in God alone.Woe to Those Who Trust in Man The prophet Jeremiah delivers a stark warning against trusting in human strength and wisdom. In Jeremiah 17:5-6 , it is written: "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. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.'" This passage highlights the futility and desolation that result from relying on human capabilities rather than divine guidance. The Folly of Trusting in Idols Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly admonished for their inclination to trust in idols. Isaiah 44:9-11 declares: "All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will be brought to terror and shame." The prophet Isaiah underscores the emptiness and shame associated with idol worship, contrasting it with the steadfastness of trusting in the one true God. The Curse of False Prophets False prophets, who lead people away from the truth of God, are another source of misplaced trust. In Jeremiah 23:16 , the LORD warns: "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" The danger of false prophets lies in their ability to deceive and divert believers from the path of righteousness, resulting in spiritual peril. Trust in Wealth and Material Possessions The Bible also addresses the misplaced trust in wealth and material possessions. Proverbs 11:28 states: "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This proverb serves as a reminder that material wealth is transient and unreliable, whereas righteousness and trust in God yield enduring prosperity and life. The Call to Trust in the LORD In contrast to the woe and curse of false trust, Scripture calls believers to place their trust wholly in the LORD. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts: "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 encapsulates the essence of true trust, which is rooted in a wholehearted reliance on God's wisdom and guidance. The Bible's teachings on trust serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of discerning where we place our faith. By avoiding the pitfalls of false trust and embracing a steadfast reliance on God, believers can navigate the complexities of life with assurance and peace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 30:1,2Woe to the rebellious children, said the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 31:1-3 Jeremiah 17:5 Library Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with ... Laws of the Kingdom Fathers and Children' Andromeda Charity and Rebuke. Jeremiah David's Anger Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers. Christ, the Great Teacher Following Christ Resources What does it mean to trust in Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I learn to trust in the faithfulness of God? | GotQuestions.org How could Job say, “Though He slay me, I will trust in Him”? | GotQuestions.org Trust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trust of Saints Is in the Mercy of God Trust of Saints Is in the Word of God Trust of Saints Is: Despised by the Wicked Trust of Saints Is: Grounded on the Covenant Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons Trust of Saints Is: Not in the Flesh Trust of Saints Is: Not in Themselves Trust of Saints Is: Strong in the Prospect of Death Trust of Saints Is: Through Christ Trust of Saints Is: Unalterable Trust of the Wicked is in Earthly Alliances Trust of the Wicked is in Falsehood Trust of the Wicked is in Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Heart Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Righteousness Trust of the Wicked is in Vanity Trust of the Wicked is in Wealth Trust of the Wicked is not in God Trust of the Wicked is Vain and Delusive Trust of the Wicked: Israelites Trust of the Wicked: Sennacherib Trust of the Wicked: Shall be Destroyed Trust of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated Trust: Blessedness of Placing, in God Trust: Encouragements to Former Deliverances Trust: Encouragements to The Care of God for Us Trust: Encouragements to The Everlasting Strength of God Trust: Encouragements to The Goodness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Loving-Kindness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Rich Bounty of God Trust: God is the True Object of Trust: Leads to Being Compassed With Mercy Trust: Leads to Deliverance from Enemies Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Happiness Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Perfect Peace Trust: Leads to Fulfilment of all Holy Desires Trust: Leads to Rejoicing in God Trust: Leads to Safety in Times of Danger Trust: Saints Plead, in Prayer Trust: should be from Youth Up Trust: should be With the Whole Heart Trust: The Fear of God Leads To Trust: The Lord Knows Those Who Have Trust: To be Accompanied by Doing Good Related Terms |
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