Whom Should We Trust: Ourselves, Others, or God?
In this article, you will learn how Proverbs 3:5 contradicts Jeremiah 17:5, Proverbs 28:26, Psalm 146:3, Judges 21:25 and Isaiah 30:1-2. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
Navigating life’s complexities often requires a decision on whom or what to trust. Proverbs 3:5 offers clear guidance: trust in the Lord entirely, without leaning on your understanding. This can be likened to a child trusting a parent's judgment, understanding that the parent knows what’s best even when it doesn't make sense in the moment.
However, various other biblical passages seem to add layers to this advice, offering a multifaceted look at trust. Take Jeremiah 17:5, which warns against trusting in human strength, implying that such trust leads to a curse. This underscores the wisdom of leaning on divine guidance rather than fallible human advice, aligning with Proverbs 3:5. Similarly, Proverbs 28:26 characterizes self-reliance on one's heart as foolish, echoing the same wise caution to avoid self-dependence.
Psalm 146:3 leads us deeper, advising against putting trust in princes, or human leaders. It suggests the limitations of human institutions and the superiority of divine trust. This contrasts sharply with any idea of self-sufficiency that might suggest leaning on personal understanding is adequate.
Judges 21:25 paints a picture of chaos, where everyone does what seems right in their own eyes, a scenario where personal judgment reigns unchecked, often leading to disorder and moral decline. It acts as a narrative warning against neglecting divine wisdom.
Isaiah 30:1-2 warns against making plans or alliances without seeking God’s counsel. This highlights the potential pitfalls of relying on human strategies over divine instruction.
The contrasting teachings in these verses prompt crucial questions for reflection: Are we placing our trust in the right things? Should our reliance be on fleeting human wisdom or the eternal wisdom offered by divine guidance? These scriptures invite us to examine our priorities and whom we trust as we navigate life’s journey.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Proverbs 3:5 | Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. |
| 2. | Jeremiah 17:5 | Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. |
| 3. | Proverbs 28:26 | He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. |
| 4. | Psalm 146:3 | Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help. [help: or, salvation] |
| 5. | Judges 21:25 | In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes. |
| 6. | Isaiah 30:1-2 | Woe to the rebellious children, saith 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: |