Psalm 118:8

8 It is better to trust in the Lord; than for to trust in man. (It is better to trust in the Lord; than to trust in any person.)

Psalm 118:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 118:8

[It is] better to trust in the Lord
This, with what follows in ( Psalms 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 is trusting to a broken staff, to a mere shadow, which can yield no support or relief: it is best to trust in the Lord; he is able to help, as well as willing; he is faithful to his word, and unchangeable in his promises; whereas man, though he may have a will to help, oftentimes has it not in his power; and when it is in his power, and has promised it, he disappoints, being changeable or unfaithful. Wherefore trust not in man, but in the Lord; yea, cursed is the man that trusts in man; see ( Jeremiah 17:5 ) .

Psalm 118:8 In-Context

6 The Lord is an helper to me; I shall not dread what man shall do to me. (The Lord is my helper; I shall not fear what people shall do to me.)

7 The Lord is an helper to me; and I shall despise mine enemies. (The Lord is my helper; and I shall gloat over my enemies/and I shall see my enemies defeated.)

8 It is better to trust in the Lord; than for to trust in man. (It is better to trust in the Lord; than to trust in any person.)

9 It is better for to hope in the Lord; than to hope in princes. (It is better to trust in the Lord; than to trust in our rulers.)

10 All folks (en)compassed me; and in the name of the Lord it befelled, for I am avenged on them. (All the nations surrounded me; but in the name of the Lord, I shall be avenged upon them/I shall destroy them.)