It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying God is good to trust; it's saying it's better to trust Him than people. The Psalmist is highlighting that while human help can be unreliable and limited, the Lord offers a steadfast refuge that surpasses any earthly comfort.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has just recounted God's deliverance from enemies who, though powerful and numerous, were ultimately defeated through God's intervention. He's reflecting on how human alliances and strength proved insufficient, especially when contrasted with God's steadfast faithfulness. This verse, therefore, emerges as a profound conclusion from painful experience, highlighting the fundamental difference between flawed human trust and absolute reliance on the Lord.
We often look to people for help, security, and solutions. But what happens when they fall short?
This verse is a powerful declaration born from experience. It reminds us that while humans have limitations – they are weak, fickle, and can disappoint – God is supremely sufficient.
Why Man Fails:
God's Unfailing Strength:
Ask a follow-up
The psalmist doesn't just say it's good to trust God; he says it's better. What makes this choice so superior?
The phrasing 'It is better...' isn't just a suggestion; it's a profound truth about where true security and lasting peace are found. When we choose to take refuge in the LORD, we are choosing the option that offers:
Superior Safety and Comfort:
The experience of the Psalmist, particularly after facing opposition and seeing human help fail, solidifies this conclusion. The contrast is stark: man offers a temporary, unreliable shelter, while God provides an unshakeable refuge.
Understand the original words
chasah · Hebrew Verb
To rely on, lean upon, or place confidence in someone or something for security and salvation; it is the fundamental act of faith.
batach · Hebrew Verb
To feel secure or confident in; to put reliance upon a person or power for safety and stability. In Scripture, true trust is exclusively reserved for God.
This verse resonates deeply with the post-exilic period when the returned Israelites, like Nehemiah, faced constant opposition from neighboring peoples. Despite receiving royal decrees and human support, they learned that ultimate security and success came only from trusting in the LORD, who alone could thwart the plots of enemies and bring about His purposes.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
After the Babylonian exile, Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked a time of hope, but also significant political challenges.
c. 537-516 BC
Temple Rebuilding Efforts
The initial efforts to rebuild the Temple faced strong opposition from surrounding peoples and internal struggles, leading to delays and difficulties.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission
Ezra leads another group of exiles back to Jerusalem with a renewed focus on religious reform and the Law, but still contending with opposition.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Mission
Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls, facing intense hostility from local leaders like Sanballat and Tobiah, despite having official backing from the Persian king.
c. 444 BC
Wall Reconstruction Completed
Despite the constant threats and opposition, the walls of Jerusalem are miraculously completed under Nehemiah's leadership, highlighting reliance on God amidst human treachery.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 118:8, issuing a strong warning against trusting in human strength and instead pointing to reliance on the LORD.
Psalm 62:8This verse presents a parallel thought, urging believers to pour out their hearts to God, for He is their refuge, reinforcing the idea that God is a superior source of trust compared to people.
Isaiah 2:22This verse offers a stark, prophetic command to cease putting trust in mankind, highlighting human limitations and setting up God as the ultimate object of faith.
Nehemiah 2:9In the narrative of Nehemiah, despite receiving official support from the Persian king (a form of 'trust in man'), the success of the mission was ultimately attributed to God's intervention when human help proved insufficient or hostile.
gillPsalms 118:8: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
It is better to trust in the Lord,.... This, with what follows in Psalm 118:9 , is the conclusion from the above premises and experience; it is good to trust in the Lord; such enjoy peace, are in safety, shall not want any good thing, nor ever be ashamed and confounded: the Targum is, "it is better to trust in the Word of the Lord;'' than to put confidence in man; it is not good to put confidence in man at all; it…
clarkePsalms 118:8: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Better to trust in the Lord - Man is feeble, ignorant, fickle, and capricious; it is better to trust in Jehovah than in such.
This verse isn't just saying God is good to trust; it's saying it's better to trust Him than people. The Psalmist is highlighting that while human help can be unreliable and limited, the Lord offers a steadfast refuge that surpasses any earthly comfort.
The psalmist has just recounted God's deliverance from enemies who, though powerful and numerous, were ultimately defeated through God's intervention. He's reflecting on how human alliances and strength proved insufficient, especially when contrasted with God's steadfast faithfulness. This verse, therefore, emerges as a profound conclusion from painful experience, highlighting the fundamental difference between flawed human trust and absolute reliance on the Lord.
The psalmist has just recounted God's deliverance from enemies who, though powerful and numerous, were ultimately defeated through God's intervention. He's reflecting on how human alliances and strength proved insufficient, especially when contrasted with God's steadfast faithfulness. This verse, therefore, emerges as a profound conclusion from painful experience, highlighting the fundamental difference between flawed human trust and absolute reliance on the Lord.
"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man." — This verse isn't just saying God is good to trust; it's saying it's better to trust Him than people. The Psalmist is highlighting that while human help can be unreliable and limited, the Lord off…
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Last reviewed October 2026