Trusting others can be challenging, and the Bible advises caution. Today, we’ll see what Scripture says about putting our trust in people versus putting our trust in God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Walking Away From Conflict
What Does The Bible Say About Trusting Man
Jeremiah 17:5
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.'”
This verse warns against placing our trust and reliance solely on human beings. It emphasizes that trusting in man alone will ultimately lead to disappointment and failure. Our trust should be placed in God, who is faithful and trustworthy.
Relying on our own strength or the capabilities of others apart from God can lead us astray and cause our hearts to stray from Him. It is a reminder to anchor our trust in the Lord, who is unchanging and dependable.
Psalm 146:3
“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”
This verse cautions against placing our confidence in earthly authorities or leaders. Human beings, no matter how powerful or influential, are incapable of providing ultimate salvation. Trusting in them alone is futile and misguided.
Instead, we are encouraged to place our trust in God, who is the only one capable of true deliverance and salvation. He alone is worthy of our complete reliance and dependence.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly trusting in the Lord rather than relying on our own limited understanding. It encourages us to surrender our own wisdom and lean on God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives.
When we submit to God and trust Him fully, He promises to guide and direct our paths, making them straight and purposeful. This verse reminds us that true trust involves complete surrender and reliance on God’s wisdom and guidance.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
This verse highlights the superiority of seeking refuge in the Lord rather than placing our trust in fallible human beings. While people may fail us, God is a reliable and unwavering source of strength, protection, and guidance.
Choosing to trust in God rather than relying solely on human beings enables us to experience His faithfulness and unfailing love. This verse reminds us to prioritize our trust in the Lord above all else.
Isaiah 2:22
“Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?”
This verse urges us to reconsider placing our trust in mere humans who are transient and fragile. It questions the reason for esteeming them when their lives are fleeting and uncertain.
Instead, we are called to place our trust in the eternal and unchanging God. He alone is worthy of our trust and adoration, as His existence surpasses the temporary nature of human beings.
Psalm 40:4
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.”
This verse declares the blessing that comes from placing our trust in the Lord. It encourages us to avoid seeking guidance and security in the proud and those who follow false gods.
Trusting in the Lord grants us access to His abundant blessings and guidance. It guards us against being led astray by empty idols and false teachings.
Psalm 118:9
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”
This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalm 118:8, emphasizing the superiority of seeking refuge in the Lord rather than placing our trust in earthly rulers or authorities.
God’s protection and faithfulness surpass the capabilities of any human leader. Placing our trust in God ensures our ultimate safety and security.
Psalm 40:3
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of trusting in the Lord. When we place our faith and reliance on God, He fills our hearts with a new song of praise and worship.
Our trust in Him becomes a testimony to others, inspiring them to also put their trust in God. This verse reminds us that our trust in God has a ripple effect, influencing others to seek Him.
Psalm 22:4-5
“In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”
This verse recounts the faithfulness of God in response to the trust placed in Him by our ancestors. It testifies to the history of God’s deliverance and salvation when His people cried out to Him.
It serves as a reminder that our trust in God is not in vain. Just as He faithfully saved our ancestors, He is also capable of delivering and protecting us when we place our trust in Him.
Proverbs 28:26
“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
This verse warns against the folly of trusting in our own abilities and wisdom. It suggests that such self-reliance can lead to recklessness and poor decision-making.
Instead, the verse encourages us to walk in wisdom and rely on God’s guidance. By trusting in God rather than ourselves, we find safety and security in His wisdom and direction.
Psalm 9:10
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between knowing and trusting in God’s name. Those who have an intimate knowledge of who God is put their full trust in Him.
The verse further assures us that God is faithful and will never abandon or forsake those who earnestly seek Him. It reinforces the idea that trust in God is founded on His unchanging character.
Psalm 56:3-4
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
This verse highlights the practice of putting our trust in God when we are filled with fear. It encourages us to rely on God’s promises and praise His word even in moments of uncertainty.
The verse also challenges the power of mere mortals in the face of our unshakeable trust in God. It reminds us that nothing compares to the security we find in the Lord.
Psalm 37:3
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
This verse links the act of trusting in the Lord with the practice of doing good. It encourages us to not only trust but also engage in acts of righteousness.
When we place our trust in the Lord and live according to His ways, He promises to provide a place of safety and abundance for us. It reminds us that trust in God leads to a blessed and secure life.
Isaiah 26:4
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.”
This verse calls us to have unwavering trust in the Lord. It affirms that God is the eternal foundation and a reliable source of security. Trusting in Him ensures a steadfast and unshakeable faith.
The verse reminds us that temporal things may change, but God remains constant and faithful. By placing our trust in Him, we find stability and strength in all circumstances.
Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
This verse exhorts us to trust in God consistently and persistently, regardless of the circumstances. It invites us to pour out our hearts to Him, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and source of comfort.
By trusting in God fully and transparently, we find solace and security in His presence. This verse encourages us to maintain an unwavering trust in God in every season of life.
Psalm 91:2
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”‘
This verse declares a personal confession of trust in the Lord as a refuge and fortress. It reflects a deep conviction in God’s faithfulness and protection.
By affirming our trust in God, we acknowledge Him as our ultimate source of security and strength. This verse serves as a reminder to vocalize our unwavering trust in God as our refuge.
2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.”
This verse attests to the perfection of God’s ways and the flawlessness of His word. It assures us that God faithfully shields and protects those who seek refuge in Him.
The verse reinforces the idea that trusting in God leads to complete safety and unfailing protection. It emphasizes the unblemished character and trustworthiness of God and His promises.
Psalm 118:7
“The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.”
This verse proclaims the presence of the Lord as a helper and a source of victory. It declares a confident trust in God’s assistance in overcoming adversaries.
By placing our trust in the Lord, we gain the assurance of His constant support in times of difficulty. This verse showcases the power and triumph that come from relying on Him.
Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”
This verse testifies to God’s goodness and His role as a refuge during times of trouble. It assures us that God deeply cares for and provides for those who trust in Him.
Trusting in God offers us a place of safety and peace when we face challenges and hardships. This verse reaffirms God’s care and provision for His faithful followers.
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”
This verse invites us to experience firsthand the goodness of the Lord. It encourages us to seek refuge in Him and discover the blessings that come from trusting in Him.
By placing our trust in God, we open ourselves up to encounter His goodness and experience the abundant life He offers. This verse prompts us to actively engage in a relationship with Him.
Psalm 25:1-3
“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”
This verse expresses a prayerful trust in the Lord and a plea for protection from shame and enemies. It acknowledges the steadfast faithfulness of God to those who place their hope and trust in Him.
The verse reassures us that our trust in God will not be in vain. Ultimately, those who are treacherous and oppose His faithful followers will be the ones put to shame.
Psalm 62:7-8
“My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”
This verse affirms our complete dependence on God for salvation and honor. It describes Him as a mighty rock, a place of refuge, and a source of protection.
We are encouraged to trust in God continually and offer our heartfelt prayers and concerns to Him. This verse reinforces the notion that God is our ultimate refuge.
Psalm 31:14-15
“But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.”
This verse expresses a resolute trust in the Lord as God and a surrendering of one’s times and circumstances into His hands. It pleads for deliverance from enemies and pursuers.
Trusting in God enables us to entrust our lives and situations to His care. This verse demonstrates the reliance and dependence that come from placing our trust in God.
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
This verse acknowledges God as a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold during difficult times. It emphasizes the role of God in providing solace and security to those who are in distress.
Placing our trust in God enables us to find safety and comfort in His presence, especially when we face adversity. This verse reminds us of His unfailing ability to be our refuge.