261. PRO 28:26. FOLLY OF SELF-CONFIDENCE
Pro_28:26. Folly of Self-Confidence
"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool."’97Pro_28:26.
The object of our trust and confidence must necessarily be of the greatest importance. It is the foundation of the building, which, if not strong and secure, must involve the edifice in ruin. It is the ground into which the anchor of the mariner is cast, and on which the safety of the vessel depends. Being so confessedly important, we meet with a variety of directions concerning it in the divine word. We are warned repeatedly against false objects of trust; we are especially admonished not to trust in man, whose breath is in his nostrils; not even in princes, for men of high degree, as well as men of low degree, are vanity. We are cautioned not to trust in riches’97not to make gold our confidence. In the text we are cautioned not to trust in our own hearts, "For he that trusteth," &c.
Notice,
I. The Evil the Text refers to.
"Trusting in our own hearts." The heart obviously signifies here the whole soul. Trusting in it, means to rest on its sufficiency; to depend upon it in the various circumstances in which we may be placed.
It clearly includes,
1. A reliance upon our own wisdom in the concerns of life.
Wisdom would evidently dictate, that in the common affairs of life, we should avail ourselves of the advice and experience of others. "In the multitude of counsel there is safety." "He that hearkeneth to counsel shall be wise." Age, and talent, and experience enable us to be useful to others. Then we should especially seek counsel of the Lord. "In all thy ways acknowledge him." "I have set the Lord always before me." See Psa_37:1-7. It is obvious no man is sufficient for his own guidance in the common affairs of life, seeing we cannot tell what a. day may bring forth.
To trust in our own hearts is,
2. To adopt our own schemes of religion.
(1) The devotee of natural religion does this, who affirms that the works of nature and his own reason are sufficient for his guidance through time into eternity.
(2) The rejector of divine mysteries does this, who will admit, nothing into his creed but what his imperfect mind can understand.
(3) The enthusiast does this, who places all his hope on excited feelings and warm emotions.
(4) All they do this who add to, or diminish from Christ’s holy doctrines, ordinances, or commands.
To trust in our own hearts is.
3. To confide in the moral goodness of our own hearts.
Some claim native goodness of heart; are quite ignorant of the plague of their hearts; have no sense of evil; no sins to confess. Others are comparatively good; more externally decent, more just, more benevolent, than those around them. Are not those also in danger of thus sinning, who boast of spiritual attainments, which can only be experienced by sinless beings in the heavenly state?
The Christian also trusts in his own heart when,
4. He relies upon his own skill or power in temptation and trouble.
We are not sufficient for ourselves, when all is clear and prosperous. Never are we safe but when God holds us up. How much less in the night of sorrow, in storms, conflicts, &c. "Without Christ we can do nothing."
Notice,
II. The Declaration made concerning this Evil.
"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool"
This is obvious,
1. If we appeal to reason.
How is it possible that man can find in himself resources for all his exigencies and wants? In temporal things men are all linked together, and all upheld by God. This is still more necessary in spiritual concerns. Reason says, every man requires light, and aid, and comfort; and no man is sufficient for these things; "therefore he that trusteth," &c.
Let us appeal,
2. To the heart itself.
Our hearts are unsound, diseased, darkened, exceedingly weak, prone to evil. Yea, deceitful above all things, &c. "He that trusteth," &c.
Let us appeal,
3. To examples.
And we will not select those cases of notorious wickedness left on the pages of revelation, but we will take the best and worthiest; we will take of the pious, not the profane. It deceived Noah; it deceived Abraham; it deceived Jacob; it deceived Solomon; it deceived Moses; it deceived David; it deceived Peter; yea, it deceived all the disciples, for they all forsook Jesus, and fled.
Let us appeal,
4. To our own experience.
Have we not all tried the experiment! And have we not always reaped disappointment? Have we not always found our own knowledge to be mere ignorance; our own resolutions, vanity; our courage, fear; our own strength, weakness, our best righteousness, as filthy rags; and that in us that is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good thing?
We appeal,
5. To the Word of God.
For to trust in our own hearts is self conceit; and it is written, "Be not wise in your own conceits." Rom_12:16. To trust in our own hearts, is the essence of pride and self-exaltation, and it is written, "Be not highminded, but fear." Rom_11:20. "He that exalteth himself, shall be abased." Luk_14:11. "Every one proud in heart, is an abomination to the Lord." Pro_16:5. To trust in our own hearts is self-righteous idolatry, the worst and silliest of all idolatry; and as such, it involves a rejection of God, as the object of our supreme love and worship. It is direct disobedience and unbelief; for we are commanded to trust only in God’97to believe only in Christ. Every other refuge will fail’97every other foundation be swept away.
Application
1. Let the subject be impressed upon each and all, so as to lead to devout and prayerful examination.
2. Let us avoid self-complacency, as the direct road to endless ruin. If we lift ourselves up, we shall assuredly fall into the condemnation of the devil. Salvation incompatible with self-trust.
3. Let us daily seek the humbling grace of God. Then shall we sit at his feet and say, Not unto us, O Lord, but to thy exalted name be all honor and praise, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS