Psalms 118:8
[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
It is better {H2896} to trust {H2620} in the LORD {H3068} than to put confidence {H982} in man {H120}.
It is better to take refuge in ADONAI than to trust in human beings;
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in man.
Cross-References
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Psalms 40:4 (41 votes)
Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. -
Jeremiah 17:5 (33 votes)
ยถ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. -
Jeremiah 17:7 (33 votes)
Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. -
Psalms 62:8 (30 votes)
ยถ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah. -
Psalms 62:9 (30 votes)
Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity. -
Micah 7:5 (28 votes)
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. -
Micah 7:7 (28 votes)
ยถ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
Commentary
Psalms 118:8 (KJV) is a powerful declaration emphasizing the security and wisdom of placing one's faith in God rather than in human beings.
Context
Psalm 118 is a hymn of thanksgiving, likely used in public worship, possibly related to a victory or deliverance experienced by Israel. The psalmist recounts various troubles and how God's help was sought and received. Verses 8 and 9 form a distinct couplet contrasting reliance on the LORD with reliance on humans or princes, highlighting the superior nature of divine trust. This section follows expressions of finding help in the LORD and precedes further declarations of God's saving power.
Key Themes
Superiority of Divine Trust: The central message is the absolute preeminence of trusting in the LORD over any form of human reliance or support. Human strength, influence, or promises are ultimately unreliable compared to God's faithfulness.
Human Limitation: Implicitly, the verse points to the inherent limitations and fallibility of human beings, no matter how powerful or well-intentioned they may be.
Security and Refuge: Trusting in God is presented as the secure and wise path, offering true refuge and stability that human confidence cannot provide.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "trust" in "trust in the LORD" is chasah (ืึธืกึธื), which often carries the sense of seeking refuge or shelter, like finding protection under wings. The word for "confidence" in "put confidence in man" is batach (ืึธึผืึทื), which means to trust, rely upon, or feel secure. While both relate to trust, the contrast underscores that placing ultimate security (chasah) should be reserved for the LORD, whereas reliance (batach) on humans is presented as the less desirable option.
Reflection
This verse serves as a timeless principle for life. While God uses people to help and support one another, our ultimate hope and security should rest in Him alone. The Bible elsewhere warns against making flesh our arm, reinforcing the message here. Choosing to trust in the LORD with all your heart is presented not just as a religious act, but as the most practical and wise approach to navigating the uncertainties of life, knowing that God's power and faithfulness are unwavering, unlike human capabilities.
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