Earthly Distractions: Faith's Misplaced Trust

The Bible warns against putting your trust in princes, nobles, or mortals, who cannot save you. This message is conveyed in Psalm 146:3, where it is stated that when a person's spirit departs, they return to the ground, and their plans come to nothing. Instead, the psalmist exhorts putting trust in God, who is described as the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. This theme of trusting in God over earthly powers or human leaders is also found in other verses, such as Psalm 118:8-9 and Isaiah 2:22.

Do not put your trust in princes

"Do not put your trust in princes" is a Biblical phrase from Psalms 146:3. The phrase is often followed by "nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help", as in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

The verse is a warning against trusting in human leaders, who are mortal and frail, and cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground, and their plans come to nothing. Instead, the psalmist exhorts the reader to put their trust and hope in God, who is eternal and faithful.

The New International Version (NIV) translates the verse as: "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save." The New Living Translation (NLV) offers a similar interpretation: "Don't put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there."

The Bible offers several other warnings against trusting in human leaders, including Psalm 118:8-9, which states: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." Similarly, Isaiah 2:22 advises: "Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?"

The message of Psalms 146:3 is clear: earthly rulers and leaders are fallible and cannot be relied upon for salvation or help. Trust in God, who is eternal and faithful, is the only true source of refuge and hope.

Do not put your trust in mortal men

The Bible verse "Do not put your trust in mortal men" is part of Psalm 146 in the Bible. This verse is an admonition against putting one's trust in princes, nobles, or any human leaders, as they "cannot save".

The verse cautions against relying on powerful or influential people for help, as their "plans come to nothing" when their spirit departs and they return to the ground. Instead, the following verse (Psalm 146:5) encourages finding help and hope in the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, who "remains faithful forever".

The message conveyed in this verse is that humans are fallible and frail, and their ability to help or save others is limited. By contrast, God is described as the source of true and everlasting help, delivering the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and setting prisoners free.

This theme of not trusting in mortal men is reiterated in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 118:8-9, which states, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man", and Jeremiah 17:5, which says, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the Lord."

Thus, the Bible encourages believers to place their faith and hope in God rather than in earthly powers or human leaders, who ultimately cannot provide the same salvation or deliverance that God can.

Do not put your trust in the son of man

The phrase "Do not put your trust in the son of man" is a biblical quote from Psalm 146:3. The full verse reads:

> "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing."

The verse is a warning against putting one's faith in earthly power structures, including royalty and nobility. The Bible suggests that these human leaders are fallible and cannot save people in the same way that God can. This is because they are mortal and will eventually "return to the ground", whereas God is eternal and all-powerful.

The following verses in Psalm 146 further emphasise this point:

> "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— the Lord, who remains faithful forever."

The Bible encourages people to put their faith in God, rather than in humans, as God is the only true source of salvation, help, and hope. God is described as the creator and ruler of everything, and the only being capable of providing eternal and unwavering support.

The phrase "son of man" in this context refers to the frailty of human beings, who, despite their power and influence, are ultimately mortal and incapable of providing lasting help or salvation.

This biblical passage serves as a reminder to Christians that earthly power structures are temporary and fallible, and that true salvation and help come only from God.

Do not put your trust in nobles

The Bible, in Psalm 146:3, warns against putting one's trust in princes, nobles, or the sons of men. This is because human beings are mortal and cannot save or help us in the same way that God can. We are reminded that when a person dies, their plans and thoughts perish with them. Instead, we are encouraged to put our trust in God, who is eternal and faithful.

The verse highlights the limitations of human power and the fragility of life. Princes and nobles, despite their high status, are subject to death just like everyone else. Their power and influence cannot save them from mortality, nor can they offer eternal salvation or help to those who put their trust in them.

By contrast, the God of Jacob is described as the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is faithful and upholds the cause of the oppressed, providing food for the hungry, freedom for prisoners, and care for the vulnerable.

In summary, Psalm 146:3 serves as a reminder to put our faith and trust in God rather than earthly powers or individuals. While princes and nobles may seem appealing or influential, they are limited by their humanity and mortality. Only God can offer us true and eternal help, salvation, and hope.

Do not put your trust in human leaders

The Bible, across several translations, warns against putting trust in human leaders.

The New International Version, for instance, states: "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save." Similarly, the New Living Translation advises: "Don't put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there."

The Bible highlights the limitations of human leaders by pointing out their mortality and the consequent futility of their plans. As stated in the English Standard Version: "Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation." This idea is echoed in other translations, such as the New American Standard Bible: "Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation."

The Bible consistently emphasizes that true salvation and help come from God alone. This is evident in verses like Psalm 146:5: "Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God."

By recognizing the frailty and impermanence of human leaders, the Bible encourages people to place their trust in God, who is eternal and faithful.

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