Micah 7:5

KJV

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

KJV (with Strong's)

Trust {H539} ye not in a friend {H7453}, put ye not confidence {H982} in a guide {H441}: keep {H8104} the doors {H6607} of thy mouth {H6310} from her that lieth {H7901} in thy bosom {H2436}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't trust in your neighbor; don't put confidence in a close friend; shut the gates of your mouth even from [your wife], lying there with you in bed.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.

American Standard Version

Trust ye not in a neighbor; put ye not confidence in a friend; keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 7:5 encapsulates the prophet's profound lament over the utter collapse of trust and moral integrity within Israelite society during his era. It paints a chilling picture of pervasive treachery, warning against placing confidence in even the closest relationships—friends, guides, and even one's most intimate companion—due to the widespread corruption and deceit that had eroded the very fabric of communal and familial bonds. This verse serves as a stark admonition to exercise extreme caution and discretion in communication, highlighting a societal breakdown so severe that betrayal could come from any quarter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 7:5 is situated within the prophet Micah's deeply personal lament (Micah 7:1-7), which immediately follows a series of pronouncements of judgment against Judah and Israel (Micah 6:1-16). The preceding verses in chapter 7 (Micah 7:1-4) describe a society utterly devoid of righteousness, where "the good man is perished out of the earth" and "every man hunts his brother with a net" ([Micah 7:2](/micah/7-2 "Micah 7:2 - Pervasive Evil")). Leaders, judges, and princes are all implicated in corruption, practicing evil with "both hands earnestly" ([Micah 7:3](/micah/7-3 "Micah 7:3 - Corrupt Leadership")). The prophet describes the best among them as "a brier" and the most upright as "sharper than a thorn hedge" ([Micah 7:4](/micah/7-4 "Micah 7:4 - Moral Decay")), indicating that even those who should be sources of stability and justice have become sources of harm. Micah 7:5-6 then extends this lament to the most intimate relationships, showing that the societal decay has infiltrated even the family unit, leading to betrayal between parents and children, and daughters-in-law against mothers-in-law ([Micah 7:6](/micah/7-6 "Micah 7:6 - Family Division")). This immediate context underscores the profound despair and isolation felt by the righteous remnant, as trust has completely vanished.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied primarily to Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (roughly 750-700 BC). This was a period marked by significant political instability, social injustice, and religious apostasy. The northern kingdom of Israel was on the brink of collapse, eventually falling to Assyria in 722 BC, and Judah itself faced constant threats from Assyria. Internally, the rich oppressed the poor, justice was perverted, and idolatry was rampant. Culturally, trust was a foundational element of ancient Near Eastern society, particularly within tribal and familial structures. Betrayal of a friend, guide, or especially a spouse, was considered a profound violation of covenantal and social norms. The warnings in Micah 7:5 reflect a society where these traditional bonds had been so thoroughly corrupted by self-interest, greed, and a disregard for God's law that even the most sacred relationships could no longer be relied upon. The prophet's words are a direct indictment of the moral decay that had permeated every level of society, from public leadership to private households.

* **Key Themes:** Micah 7:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Micah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is the theme of **pervasive sin and societal corruption**. The verse vividly illustrates how deeply sin has penetrated, leading to a complete breakdown of human relationships and trust. This directly contrasts with God's covenant faithfulness, setting the stage for Micah's ultimate declaration of hope in God's steadfast love and mercy ([Micah 7:18-20](/micah/7-18-20 "Micah 7:18-20 - God's Mercy and Faithfulness")). Another key theme is the **erosion of trust**, highlighting the devastating consequences when loyalty and integrity vanish, forcing individuals to guard their words even from their closest companions. This emphasizes the profound spiritual sickness that afflicted the nation. Finally, the verse underscores the **prophetic lament**, as Micah articulates the deep sorrow and despair of a righteous individual witnessing such widespread moral decay. His lament serves not only as an expression of grief but also as a powerful call for repentance, implicitly pointing to the necessity of placing ultimate reliance on God alone when human institutions and relationships prove utterly unreliable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trust (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** (H539) This primitive root means "to build up or support," "to foster," and figuratively, "to render (or be) firm or faithful," "to trust or believe," "to be permanent or quiet." In the negative command "Trust ye not," it conveys the dire warning against relying on human stability or faithfulness, as these qualities have become utterly absent in the society Micah describes. The verb implies a deep, foundational reliance, which is precisely what has been shattered.
* **Guide (Hebrew, _ʼallûwph'_): (H441)** Derived from a root meaning "familiar," this word denotes a "friend," a "chieftain," or a "leader." It can also refer to a "bullock" (as being tame), implying someone familiar and reliable. The warning against trusting a "guide" is particularly potent, as a guide is someone expected to provide direction, counsel, and protection. The corruption of such a figure signifies the complete subversion of natural order and expectation.
* **Bosom (Hebrew, _chêyq'_): (H2436)** This term refers to the "bosom" (literally or figuratively), "lap," or "midst." It signifies the most intimate and private space, often associated with one's spouse or closest confidant. The phrase "her that lieth in thy bosom" unequivocally points to one's wife, emphasizing the shocking depth of betrayal when even the most sacred and private relationship is compromised. It highlights the ultimate breakdown of trust within the most fundamental unit of society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Trust ye not in a friend":** This opening clause immediately sets the tone of extreme caution. The Hebrew verb for "trust" (אָמַן, _ʼâman_) implies a deep, settled confidence or reliance. The command is a stark prohibition against placing such fundamental trust in a "friend" (רֵעַ, _rêaʻ_), which refers to a close companion, neighbor, or associate. In a society where even casual acquaintances or long-standing companions could betray, the prophet warns against any form of unguarded reliance.
* **"put ye not confidence in a guide":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the first. "Put confidence" (בָּטַח, _bâṭach_) is synonymous with "trust" and implies a sense of security and reliance. A "guide" (אַלּוּף, _ʼallûwph_) is someone who leads, advises, or is a familiar, trusted chief or leader. The warning extends to those in positions of authority or those expected to provide wise counsel and direction. The implication is that even those who should be pillars of reliability have become sources of potential treachery.
* **"keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom":** This final, most chilling clause highlights the ultimate extent of the societal breakdown. "Keep" (שָׁמַר, _shâmar_) means to guard, observe, or preserve, suggesting a deliberate and vigilant act. "The doors of thy mouth" is a vivid metaphor for guarding one's speech, secrets, and vulnerabilities. The phrase "her that lieth in thy bosom" (שָׁכַב בְּחֵיק, _shâkab bᵉchêyq_) is an intimate idiom, referring unequivocally to one's wife or closest confidante. The command to guard one's words even from one's spouse underscores the profound level of mistrust and betrayal that had permeated the most sacred and private relationships, indicating a society where no one could be fully trusted, even in the most intimate of settings.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 7:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the absolute nature of the warnings ("Trust ye not," "put ye not confidence"), emphasizing the extreme and pervasive nature of the treachery. While not suggesting that *every single* person was a betrayer, it highlights the *tendency* and *danger* of the era. The phrase "keep the doors of thy mouth" is a striking example of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "doors" and "mouth" stand for the act of speaking and the words themselves, urging discretion. This also functions as vivid **Imagery**, creating a mental picture of a fortress-like mouth that must be sealed against potential leaks. The entire verse is steeped in **Lament**, a common prophetic genre expressing deep sorrow and despair over the moral decay of the people, contrasting the ideal covenant community with the grim reality. The progression from external relationships ("friend," "guide") to the most intimate ("bosom") builds a sense of escalating vulnerability and betrayal, culminating in a deeply unsettling portrait of a society where trust has utterly collapsed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 7:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the devastating consequences of sin on human relationships and the fabric of society. It underscores the biblical truth that when humanity turns away from God, the natural order of trust, loyalty, and justice collapses. This verse implicitly highlights the stark contrast between the unreliability of fallen humanity and the unwavering faithfulness of God. While human relationships, even the most intimate, can be corrupted by sin and lead to betrayal, God remains eternally trustworthy and steadfast. The prophet's lament over the absence of human trustworthiness ultimately points to the necessity of placing ultimate reliance and hope in the divine, for only God's character is truly immutable and reliable in a world of pervasive deceit. This reliance on God is not merely a fallback but the foundational truth upon which all genuine trust must ultimately rest.

* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalm/118-8-9 "Psalm 118:8-9 - Trusting in the Lord") – "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man") – "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD... Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."
* [Proverbs 25:9-10](/proverbs/25-9-10 "Proverbs 25:9-10 - Guarding Secrets") – "Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 7:5, while rooted in a specific historical context of profound societal decay, offers timeless wisdom for navigating a fallen world and discerning relationships. It serves as a sober reminder that human trust, while essential for communal flourishing, is inherently fragile and can be easily broken. This verse does not advocate for cynicism or isolation, but rather for a profound wisdom and discernment in whom we confide and how we communicate. It calls us to exercise prudence, guarding our words and vulnerabilities, especially in environments where integrity is compromised or where self-interest reigns supreme. Ultimately, this passage redirects our deepest trust from fallible human beings to the unfailing character of God. In a world where betrayal can still wound deeply, it encourages us to cultivate a steadfast reliance on the Lord, who alone is perfectly faithful and trustworthy, and to seek His wisdom in all our interactions. It challenges us to be people of integrity ourselves, striving to be trustworthy friends, guides, and family members in a world that desperately needs examples of faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the pervasive breakdown of trust described in Micah 7:5 resonate with or challenge your perceptions of trust in contemporary society?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be placing too much confidence in human institutions or individuals, rather than in God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to exercise greater discernment and "keep the doors of your mouth" in situations where trust is fragile?**
* **How can you, as a believer, embody trustworthiness and faithfulness in your relationships, thereby reflecting God's character in a world marked by betrayal?**

### FAQ

**Does Micah 7:5 mean we should never trust anyone, even our family?**

Answer: Micah 7:5 is a hyperbolic lament reflecting an extreme state of societal and moral decay, not a universal command to live in perpetual suspicion. The prophet is describing a period where corruption was so pervasive that even the most sacred bonds were compromised. It highlights the *danger* of misplaced trust in a deeply fallen world, particularly when human integrity has eroded. The verse serves as a warning to exercise extreme caution and discernment, especially regarding sensitive information, and to recognize the inherent fallibility of all human beings. It does not advocate for cynicism or isolation, but rather for wisdom and for placing ultimate, unwavering trust in God alone, who is perfectly faithful. In a healthy society, trust is vital, but Micah's warning reminds us that human trust is always conditional and should be tempered with discernment.

**How can I apply "keep the doors of thy mouth" in my daily life?**

Answer: "Keeping the doors of thy mouth" means exercising discretion and wisdom in your speech, particularly concerning personal vulnerabilities, secrets, or sensitive information. In today's context, this can apply to various situations:
1. **Confidentiality:** Being careful about what you share, especially in professional or relational contexts where information could be misused.
2. **Gossip and Slander:** Refraining from speaking ill of others or participating in conversations that damage reputations.
3. **Vulnerability:** Thoughtfully choosing who to confide in with your deepest struggles or secrets, recognizing that not everyone has your best interests at heart. As [Proverbs 11:13](/proverbs/11-13 "Proverbs 11:13 - The Talebearer") states, "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."
4. **Social Media:** Being mindful of what you post online, as digital words can have far-reaching and unintended consequences.
It's about speaking truth in love, but also knowing when silence or discretion is the wisest course of action, especially when navigating complex or potentially treacherous relational dynamics.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 7:5, with its stark portrayal of human treachery and the complete breakdown of trust, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet's lament over a world where "friend" and "bosom" companions betray foreshadows the ultimate betrayal that Jesus Himself would experience at the hands of Judas Iscariot, one of His closest disciples, who shared intimate meals and ministry with Him ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas' Betrayal")). This profound act of betrayal underscores the very human brokenness that Micah decries. However, unlike the unreliable friends and guides of Micah's day, Jesus stands as the perfectly faithful and trustworthy "guide" and "friend" (cf. [John 15:13-15](/john/15-13-15 "John 15:13-15 - Jesus Calls Disciples Friends")). He is the one in whom all confidence can be placed, for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). In Christ, the broken trust between humanity and God is restored through His atoning sacrifice, establishing a new covenant founded on His unwavering faithfulness, not on the fickle loyalty of fallen humanity ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). The Christian's ultimate security and hope are found not in human relationships, however precious, but in the steadfast love and unchanging character of Jesus, who will never betray those who put their trust in Him ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 9:4

Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.

Psalms 118:8

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Job 6:14

¶ To him that is afflicted pity [should be shewed] from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Job 6:15

My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, [and] as the stream of brooks they pass away;

Judges 16:5

And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength [lieth], and by what [means] we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.