Why is the man who trusts in man cursed (Jeremiah 17:5)?

Response

One of the persistent themes in Jeremiah’s writings is the contrast between those who rely on human resources and those who place their trust in the Lord: “Cursed is the one who trusts in mankind and makes flesh their strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. They will be like a shrub in the desert; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will live in the parched places of the wilderness, in a salt land where no one lives. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in the Lord. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:5-8;ESV).

“The one who trusts in mankind” is the individual who rejects God and depends on their own strength and cleverness, or looks to others for assistance and deliverance. Such a person is cursed with a barren and unfulfilled existence, destined to face hardship, distress, and eventual demise. In contrast, the one who puts their trust in the Lord is abundantly blessed. This person flourishes, grows, and thrives even amidst challenging circumstances.

During Jeremiah’s time, the leaders of the nation were relying on human alliances and leaning on “the strength of flesh” «with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. », (2 Chronicles 32:8). Drawing from the wisdom found in Psalm 1:3–4, Jeremiah compares those who trust in God to flourishing, well-nourished trees. His cautionary message emphasizes the importance of not relying on human strength but instead putting one’s trust in the Lord.To trust in human resources echoes Psalm 146:3: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Judah’s unbelief and rejection of the Lord would turn their lives and their land into a desert wasteland, but faith and trust in God would establish them as a firmly planted, thriving woodland.

Complete dependence on God was essential to Israel’s covenant agreement with Yahweh (Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 31:1). God had promised blessings for those who trusted and obeyed Him and curses for those who rejected and disobeyed Him. However, the Jewish people and their leaders were known for turning their hearts away from the Lord and trusting in man (Isaiah 2:22; Isaiah 30:1). Time and time again, Israel’s self-reliance and trust in man had ended in disaster (Numbers 14:40-45; Hosea 8:1-14; Amos 6:8).

God alone is worthy of our trust (Psalm 28:7; Psalm 56:4; Psalm 91:1-16; 118:8). Fearing people is “a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety” «The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. », (Proverbs 29:25, NLT). It’s impossible to safely navigate the issues of this life relying on our own resources. For this reason, Solomon advised, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressedWith your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8;NLT).

In the matter of our eternal salvation, God rewards faith. Those who trust in the Lord are blessed with His salvation, but those who trust in man are cursed and destined to miss eternity in heaven (Isaiah 43:11;Acts 4:12). There is absolutely no room for trusting in man in God’s plan of salvation (Psalm 60:11;Psalm 108:12;John 15:5;Romans 6:23). If we misplace our dependency—trusting in self or other people—we forfeit the extraordinary relationship God has planned for us with Him (Isaiah 40:31;Romans 3:27;Ephesians 1:3;Ephesians 2:8-9).

When God created us, He designed us to live in intimate, trusting fellowship with Him (John 3:16-17;Matthew 11:28-30;1 Corinthians 1:9). True believers are “planted in Christ.” He is our fountain of “living water” springing up to eternal life (John 4:10-14). Our relationship with Jesus involves total, lifelong reliance on Him to meet our needs (Psalm 23;Philippians 4:19).

The man who trusts in man is cursed because relying on human power or one’s own resources will result in negative consequences in this life and eventually eternal death «There is a wa

By following what seems right to a person, they may end up on paths leading to death. », (Proverbs 14:12). However, individuals who have faith in the Lord will experience blessings throughout their lives, including His love, care, peace, protection, guidance, provision, and the great hope of eternal life (Isaiah 43:2;Isaiah 26:3;Nahum 1:7;Psalm 28:7;1 Peter 1:3-12).