Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the wicked placing their trust in man rather than in God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This misplaced trust is often depicted as a hallmark of folly and a departure from divine wisdom. The Scriptures consistently contrast the futility of relying on human strength and wisdom with the security and blessing found in trusting the Lord.Biblical References: 1. 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.'" This passage starkly warns against the dangers of relying on human strength and wisdom. The imagery of a shrub in the desert underscores the barrenness and desolation that result from such misplaced trust. 2. Psalm 146:3-4 : "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." Here, the psalmist emphasizes the transient nature of human life and the futility of depending on human leaders for ultimate security and salvation. 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 verse highlights the folly of seeking security in military might and alliances rather than in God. The historical context refers to Israel's temptation to seek help from Egypt rather than relying on divine protection. 4. Proverbs 28:26 : "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe." This proverb succinctly contrasts self-reliance with the wisdom of trusting in God. The fool's trust in his own understanding is portrayed as dangerous and misguided. Theological Implications: The trust of the wicked in man is often associated with pride and self-sufficiency, which are antithetical to the humility and dependence on God that Scripture advocates. This misplaced trust is seen as a rejection of God's sovereignty and a failure to acknowledge His ultimate authority and power. Historical Context: Throughout Israel's history, there were numerous instances where the people and their leaders placed their trust in foreign alliances, military strength, or their own wisdom rather than in God. These decisions often led to disastrous consequences, serving as a testament to the truth of the biblical warnings against such trust. Practical Application: For believers, these passages serve as a reminder to evaluate where their trust lies. In a world that often values self-reliance and human achievement, Christians are called to place their confidence in God, recognizing that true security and wisdom come from Him alone. The Scriptures encourage a posture of humility and dependence on the Lord, who is faithful and unchanging. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 9:26And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 118:8,9 Library That He who Has Attained to Trust, Having Put Off the Former Man ... Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph A Consecrated Ministry Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm. A Prayer of Trust If, Again, it is Certain that we are the Most Wicked of Men... True Christianity Defended Thou Shalt not Steal. The Answer to Trust 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 |