Princes Are Untrustworthy: A Warning Against Blind Faith

have no faith in princes

Have no faith in princes is a biblical phrase from Psalm 146:3, which warns against putting trust in princes, noblemen, or powerful people. The verse emphasizes that humans are fallible and mortal, and thus cannot provide salvation or help. Instead, the psalmist encourages people to put their trust and hope in God, who is faithful and just. This idea is further reinforced in the writings of St. Paul and the Christian Gospels, emphasizing the importance of loving one's neighbor and actively participating in the political process while maintaining trust in God rather than human leaders.

Characteristics Values
Trust Not in princes, mortal men, or human beings
Help Not from princes, mortal men, or human beings
Salvation Not from princes, mortal men, or human beings

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Princes are not to be depended on

The verse warns against trusting in mortal men, who have no power to save. This includes powerful people, nobles, and political leaders. While princes may be liberal and bountiful, they are also changeable, fickle, and inconstant. They are frail and mortal, and oftentimes not faithful to their word.

The psalmist's wisdom speaks to the notion that the political process and leaders should not be the object of our ultimate allegiance. If it is, we risk consuming ourselves with it, as it is a form of idolatry.

Instead, people of faith are encouraged to place their ultimate trust and allegiance in God. God is described as the Maker of heaven and earth, the defender of the wronged, the provider for the hungry, and the one who frees prisoners. He is faithful and just, and he loves and protects his people.

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Trust in God, not princes

This is a message from Psalm 146:3, which reads: "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." The verse warns against putting faith in mortal men, who "cannot save".

The psalmist's wisdom speaks to the notion that the political process and its leaders should not be the object of our ultimate allegiance. If it is, we risk consuming ourselves with it, as it is a form of idolatry.

Instead, people of faith are encouraged to place their ultimate trust in God. The psalmist writes: "Happy are those who help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God."

This message is echoed in other parts of the Bible, including Psalm 118:8-9, which says: "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man... It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."

So, while it is important to be an active and engaged citizen, speaking out against injustice and in support of the common good, it is crucial to remember that politicians are flawed and mortal. Our ultimate trust and hope should be in God.

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Princes are mortal and frail

The Bible, in Psalm 146:3, says, "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." This verse is elaborated in Psalm 146:4, which states, "When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day, his plans perish."

The idea is further reinforced in 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 says, "Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?"

Politicians and leaders are flawed human beings and are sometimes even morally corrupt. The political process should not be the object of our ultimate allegiance or consumption, for if it is, it will consume us as it is a form of idolatry.

Instead, our ultimate allegiance and trust must be in God, as the psalmist writes: "Happy are those who help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God" (Psalm 146:5).

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Princes are fickle and inconstant

Kings and princes cannot help and save themselves, and much less their people. Their salvation is of God, and not from themselves, or from their armies. Even the greatest leaders fail and fall. They are just mortals who will one day die. At death, their spirits depart, and their bodies return to dust.

In the day of their death, all their projects and plans are over. Their breath goes forth, they return to the earth, and in that very day their thoughts perish.

Therefore, it is better to trust in the Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength. He gives all things richly to enjoy. He is unchangeable and ever abides faithful.

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Princes are fallacious and deceitful

The Bible, in Psalm 146:3, states: "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." This verse is a reminder that humans, regardless of their power or status, are ultimately frail and mortal and cannot be relied upon for salvation. The psalmist's wisdom speaks to the notion that political processes should not be the object of our ultimate allegiance, as they can be fallacious and deceitful.

The idea that princes are not to be trusted is further reinforced by other verses in the Bible, such as Psalm 60:11 and Psalm 108:12, which state: "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless." Additionally, Psalm 118:8-9 states: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." These verses highlight the belief that humans, including princes, are fallible and cannot provide the same salvation or help as God.

Even today, the sentiment of "having no faith in princes" resonates. For example, in a meditation written by The Revd Canon Dr Bob Derrenbacker, he reflects on the 2020 United States presidential election and the worldwide consequences it held. He reminds readers that politicians are flawed and sometimes morally corrupt, and thus our ultimate trust should be in God rather than political leaders.

In conclusion, the idea that "princes are fallacious and deceitful" is a timeless warning against putting our ultimate trust in human leaders. While they may hold power and influence, they are still mortal and fallible, and cannot provide the same salvation or help as God.

Frequently asked questions

It means that politicians are flawed human beings and are sometimes morally corrupt. Therefore, one should not put their ultimate trust in princes or political leaders.

The phrase comes from Psalm 146:3 in the Bible.

"Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help."

The writer of Psalm 146 is not known, but it is often attributed to King David.

Yes, in Psalm 118:8-9, it is written, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."

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