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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew wording here uses a comparative construction that emphasizes the sheer goodness and safety found in trusting God, rather than just a simple preference. It suggests that while trusting man might be neutral or even sometimes helpful, trusting the LORD is fundamentally and inherently good in a way that human trust can never be.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After celebrating God's unfailing goodness and recounting how enemies attacked and almost overcame him, the psalmist draws a profound lesson from his near-death experience. He declares that while human help and even powerful leaders often fail, true safety and lasting trust are found solely in the Lord. This assurance allows him to face any opposition, knowing that God's strength is far greater than any human force.
We all lean on people for help, but have you ever felt let down? This verse gives us a surprising perspective on why putting our ultimate trust in humans is a gamble.
The verse boldly states it's better to trust God than people. Why? Think about it:
God, on the other hand, is all-knowing, all-powerful, unchanging, and eternal. He is the only one who can truly help us, no matter the circumstance.
When storms hit, where do you run for shelter? This verse points to the ultimate safe place, a refuge that never fails.
The psalmist uses the powerful image of taking 'refuge' in the LORD. This isn't just a casual trust; it's an active seeking of safety and security in God's presence.
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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.
nedibim · Hebrew Noun
Those in positions of authority, power, or leadership; often used in Scripture to denote human rulers who may seem powerful but are ultimately subject to God.
This psalm resonates deeply with the post-exilic period when the returned exiles faced immense political and social pressures. Their reliance on Persian kings like Cyrus and Artaxerxes for protection and resources proved ultimately insufficient, leading to the realization that true security and hope could only be found in God.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Decree Issued
King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marks the beginning of the return from Babylonian exile.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
The rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple is completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, signifying a return to worship and national identity.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
Ezra, a scribe and priest, leads another group of exiles back to Jerusalem, focusing on religious reform and re-establishing the Law of Moses among the people.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem Walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. This effort faces significant opposition from surrounding peoples like Sanballat and Tobiah, highlighting the precariousness of their situation.
c. 444 BC
Samaritan and Arab Opposition Intensifies
Tobiah the Ammonite and Sanballat the Horonite, along with Arab and other local groups, actively conspire to stop Nehemiah's rebuilding project, sending threats and attempting to sow discord.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 118:8 by describing the curse that falls on those who trust in human strength and turn away from the Lord.
Psalms 62:8This verse provides a parallel call to 'trust in him at all times' and to pour out one's heart before God, reinforcing the idea that God is a refuge, unlike unreliable people.
Nehemiah 2:7-9This passage illustrates how, even with official human support and protection granted by a king, Nehemiah ultimately relied on God to overcome the opposition he faced, showing the limitations of human aid.
Proverbs 3:5-6This proverb offers a beautiful complement to Psalm 118:8 by encouraging complete reliance on the Lord ('trust in the LORD with all your heart') and promising divine guidance, contrasting with the uncertainty of human trust.
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.
The Hebrew wording here uses a comparative construction that emphasizes the sheer goodness and safety found in trusting God, rather than just a simple preference. It suggests that while trusting man might be neutral or even sometimes helpful, trusting the LORD is fundamentally and inherently good in a way that human trust can never be.
After celebrating God's unfailing goodness and recounting how enemies attacked and almost overcame him, the psalmist draws a profound lesson from his near-death experience. He declares that while human help and even powerful leaders often fail, true safety and lasting trust are found solely in the Lord. This assurance allows him to face any opposition, knowing that God's strength is far greater than any human force.
After celebrating God's unfailing goodness and recounting how enemies attacked and almost overcame him, the psalmist draws a profound lesson from his near-death experience. He declares that while human help and even powerful leaders often fail, true safety and lasting trust are found solely in the Lord. This assurance allows him to face any opposition, knowing that God's strength is far greater than any human force.
"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." — The Hebrew wording here uses a comparative construction that emphasizes the sheer goodness and safety found in trusting God, rather than just a simple preference. It suggests that while trusting man…
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Last reviewed October 2026