Topical Bible: Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of trust is pivotal, often contrasting the trust placed in God by the righteous with the misplaced trust of the wicked. The trust of the wicked is frequently depicted as futile and ultimately leading to destruction. This theme is illustrated through various passages and accounts throughout Scripture.

Psalm 52:7
"Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction."
This verse highlights the folly of placing trust in material wealth and self-reliance. The wicked man, who chooses wealth over God as his refuge, ultimately faces ruin. The psalmist underscores the transient nature of riches and the danger of relying on them for security.

Proverbs 11:28
"He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage."
Proverbs often contrasts the outcomes of the wicked and the righteous. Here, the trust in riches is portrayed as a path to downfall, while the righteous, who presumably place their trust in God, are likened to thriving foliage, symbolizing life and prosperity.

Isaiah 30:12-13
"Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: 'Because you have rejected this message, trusting in oppression and relying on deceit, this iniquity of yours is like a breach about to fail, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly—in an instant.'"
The prophet Isaiah warns against trusting in oppression and deceit. The imagery of a bulging wall ready to collapse serves as a vivid illustration of the inevitable downfall that comes from such misplaced trust. The wicked's reliance on unjust means is shown to be unstable and destined for sudden destruction.

Jeremiah 17:5-6
"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.'"
Jeremiah contrasts the cursed state of those who trust in human strength with the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord. The wicked, who rely on human power and turn away from God, are likened to a barren shrub in the desert, emphasizing their spiritual desolation and lack of true prosperity.

Ezekiel 28:4-7
"By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries. By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of your wealth. Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'Because you regard your heart as the heart of a god, I am about to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor.'"
Ezekiel addresses the pride and self-reliance of the prince of Tyre, who trusts in his wealth and wisdom. His heart, lifted up by his riches, leads to his downfall. The Lord's judgment is pronounced, illustrating the peril of trusting in one's own achievements and the inevitable divine retribution.

Habakkuk 2:18-19
"Of what value is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, 'Awake!' or to silent stone, 'Arise!' Can it teach? Look, it is covered with gold and silver, but there is no breath in it."
Habakkuk condemns the folly of idolatry, where the wicked place their trust in lifeless creations of their own making. The prophet points out the absurdity of relying on idols, which are powerless and devoid of life. This misplaced trust is shown to be not only futile but also deserving of woe.

Throughout Scripture, the trust of the wicked is consistently portrayed as misplaced and ultimately leading to their downfall. The Bible warns against reliance on wealth, human strength, oppression, deceit, and idols, urging instead a trust in the Lord, which brings true security and blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 18:21
Now, behold, you trust on the staff of this bruised reed, even on Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook