Crusade BibleCrusade Bible
The Adoration of the Golden CalfNicolas Poussin · 1633–37

False Confidence(self confidence)

/FAWLS KON-fi-dents/

Summary

Misplaced trust in oneself, other people, or outward resources rather than in God alone, condemned throughout Scripture as spiritually dangerous.

☩Confidence in Self

Scripture warns against trusting in one's own wisdom, righteousness, or ability. 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding' (Proverbs 3:5). Those wise in their own eyes are in greater danger than fools (Proverbs 26:12). Presumptuous sins arise from deliberate reliance on self rather than God, involving knowledge, deliberation, and obstinate disregard of conscience. Peter's confident assertion of loyalty to Jesus proved hollow when tested.

Key verses:Proverbs 3:5Proverbs 26:12Proverbs 28:26Isaiah 5:21Matthew 26:35

☩Confidence in Outward Resources

The Bible condemns trust in wealth, military power, or political alliances. 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God' (Psalm 20:7). Riches cannot deliver in the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:28). Israel's confidence in Egypt proved disastrous: 'Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help' (Isaiah 31:1-3). Asa was rebuked for relying on Syria rather than God (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Key verses:Psalm 20:7Psalm 33:17Proverbs 11:28Isaiah 31:1-3Jeremiah 48:7

☩True Confidence

Biblical confidence is trust and boldness that faith in God and His word gives. 'In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence'; 'The Lord shall be thy confidence' (Proverbs 14:26; 3:26). It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes (Psalm 118:8-9). True confidence rests not in gold, self, or man, but in God as revealed in Christ (Ephesians 3:12). The 'fearful' who lack such confidence are classed with the 'unbelieving' (Revelation 21:8).

Key verses:Psalm 118:8-9Proverbs 3:26Proverbs 14:26Isaiah 30:15Hebrews 10:35

Related Verses21 mentions

Psalms· 6 verses

20:733:1633:1749:662:9

Isaiah· 4 verses

2:225:2122:1131:1

Proverbs· 3 verses

11:2826:1228:26

Deuteronomy· 1 verse

29:19

See Also

The Death of Ananias (Acts 5: 1-5) title QS:P1476,en:"The Death of Ananias (Acts 5: 1-5) "
Falsehood
Security
Security
Self Deception
Self Deception
Self Delusion
Self Delusion

References

  1. 1.James Orr (ed.), "Confidence," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  2. 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Presumption," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  3. 3.George Morrish, "Confidence," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).