Trust and Prosperity

God gave Jeremiah this powerful warning: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD” (v. 5).

We must be careful not to place our ultimate trust in people, because God knows that “the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick.” Having thoroughly searched people’s hearts and minds, He urges us to realize these truths about humankind.

God provides a vivid contrast here. On one hand, we see the life of blessing and prosperity that He promises for those who trust Him. He offers a picture of continual supply, for those who trust in Him “will be like a tree planted by the water.” They will be in a position to receive from Him no matter what is going on in the world around them. Even in drought, they will prosper.

In contrast, those who trust in other people find themselves detached from God. Not depending on Him, they will not receive His continual flow of blessings. Instead, they will find themselves living “in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant” (v. 6).

God described the “wealth,” “treasure,” and “inheritance” He has prepared for His people (v. 3). But He also warned that they could lose it all if they trusted in the wrong people. They would not “see when prosperity comes.”

The Bible makes it clear that God desires to bless every part of our lives. To receive these blessings, we must serve Him and keep His Word. Instead of being self-centered, we must be ready to give of what He has given us, seeking to bless others and further God’s Kingdom.