When man trusts in nothing, he receives nothing in return. That is the primary point of Job 15:31. Yet, that is not the only truth being taught. It is also true that people should not trust in anything of little to no value. This would include beauty (Ezekiel 16:15; Proverbs 31:30) and riches (Psalm 62:10). Unfortunately, many in this world have become accustomed to trust in their intellect, beauty, and riches. The end result is borne out in the entertainment and business worlds, but the seeds of this troubling problem usually begin in early childhood. Young people often hear the emphasis placed upon their appearance or education as the primary means of getting the things that these young people want most in life.
The Devil is both very subtle and sly. He knows that being patient in his attacks against the truth can result in his ultimate victory as he wears down the saints. One of his primary objectives involves a close alliance between the self-help theology crowd and the use of flattery. Those caught up in this type of theology overemphasize the need to develop self-confidence rather than developing a God-confidence. These power of positive thinking proponents teach their followers to think positively of themselves even if those thoughts are unwarranted. Yet, the Bible offers a completely different perspective. According to scripture, the wicked “flattereth himself in his own eyes” (Psalm 36:2) and this self-flattery is “transgression” (Psalm 36:1). On the other hand, the faithful Christian realizes that “at his very best state he is altogether vanity” (Psalm 39:5). Christians need their self-confidence replaced with a greater confidence and trust in the Lord.
