False confidence in man refers to the misplaced trust or reliance on human strength, wisdom, or resources rather than on God. This concept is frequently addressed in the Bible, where believers are cautioned against placing their faith in human capabilities instead of divine providence and guidance.

Biblical Warnings Against Trusting in Man

The Bible consistently warns against placing trust in human beings, emphasizing the limitations and fallibility of mankind. In Jeremiah 17:5, the prophet declares, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD." This verse highlights the spiritual peril of relying on human strength, which can lead one away from a relationship with God.

Similarly, Psalm 118:8-9 advises, "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." These verses underscore the superiority of divine protection over human assurances, regardless of the status or power of individuals.

Examples of False Confidence in Scripture

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals and nations that placed false confidence in human abilities, often leading to their downfall. One notable example is the account of King Saul, who, in 1 Samuel 13, disobeyed God's command by offering a burnt sacrifice himself instead of waiting for the prophet Samuel. Saul's reliance on his own judgment rather than God's instructions resulted in the loss of his kingdom.

Another example is found in Isaiah 31:1, where the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the LORD." Here, the Israelites' reliance on military alliances and strength instead of seeking God's help is condemned.

The Futility of Human Wisdom

The Bible also addresses the futility of relying on human wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 3:19, the Apostle Paul writes, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight." This passage reminds believers that human wisdom, no matter how advanced or sophisticated, is ultimately inadequate when compared to God's infinite wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5-6 further instructs, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This exhortation encourages believers to depend on God's understanding and guidance rather than their own limited insight.

Consequences of False Confidence

The consequences of placing false confidence in man are often dire, leading to spiritual and sometimes physical ruin. In the case of the Israelites, their reliance on foreign alliances and military might often resulted in defeat and exile, as seen in the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon.

Moreover, false confidence can lead to pride and self-reliance, which are contrary to the humility and dependence on God that Scripture advocates. James 4:6 reminds us, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." This verse highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of prideful reliance on human strength.

Encouragement to Trust in God

While the Bible warns against false confidence in man, it simultaneously encourages believers to place their trust in God. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the security and peace found in trusting God rather than human means.

In conclusion, the Bible provides clear guidance on the dangers of false confidence in man, urging believers to place their trust in God alone. Through faith and reliance on divine wisdom and strength, believers can navigate the challenges of life with assurance and hope.Psalm 33:16
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
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Psalm 62:9
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.
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Psalm 118:8
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
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Psalm 146:3,4
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
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Isaiah 2:22
Cease you from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ?
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Jeremiah 17:5
Thus said the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD.
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Hosea 5:13
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.
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Hosea 7:11
Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.
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One Saying from Three Men
... The godless are perished out of the land.'. II. We have in our second text the
mistake of a good man who has been lulled into false confidence. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/one saying from three men.htm

The Witness of the Spirit
... The sin of the world is a false confidence, a careless, complacent taking
for granted that a man is a Christian when he is not. ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the witness of the spirit.htm

The Monk Nilus.
... attention to the one thing needful; to warn them against a false confidence in a ...
If you do not reform your lives, and reform them thoroughly, no man can save ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/the monk nilus.htm

Peace
... When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.' Luke 11: This
is the devil's peace; he ... (1.) A false peace has much confidence in it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with ...
... It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man; it is ... property to
condemn the praise and flattering words bestowed on the false prophets by ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xv sermon on the mount.htm

Justin by his Colloquy is Kindled with Love to Christ.
... self-control, and moderation, rather than be deceived by false words, and ... to you;
but when you have forsaken God, and reposed confidence in man, what safety ...
/.../chapter viii justin by his colloquy.htm

Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
... of his honour, and through rash confidence subjecting himself ... it being admitted as
incontrovertible that man is not ... deprived of every thing like false boasting ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 man now deprived.htm

The Climax of Ecclesiastes' Exercises Seems to have Been Reached ...
... all the universe can ever satisfy the heart of man, filled up ... some sort, the opposite
to those prevailing for the false""quietness and confidence.". ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter x the climax of.htm

Jeremiah and Deuteronomy. (Chs. vii, viii. 8, xi. )
... Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel: 4. Cursed be the man who hears ... have been
delivered to all Judah, rebukes the people for their false confidence in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 jeremiah and deuteronomy chs.htm

The Heath in the Desert and the Tree by the River
... The man that cannot see good when it is there before his face, because the false
direction of his confidence has blinded his eyes, cannot open his heart to it. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heath in the desert.htm

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