Trust is an essential part of human relationships and community. In the Bible, trust is closely tied to faith and reliance on God. However, the Bible also has much to say about trusting other people. There are numerous examples of trust being built, tested, broken, and restored between people. There are also warnings against trusting too easily or trusting those who prove untrustworthy.
The Bible makes it clear that complete and perfect trust can only be placed in God. Psalm 118:8-9 states, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” And Psalm 146:3 warns, “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.” Our ultimate faith and dependence must be on the unfailing God rather than flawed human beings.
However, that does not mean there is no place for trust between people. Healthy relationships require mutual trust. The Bible provides principles for building trust, testing trust, and restoring broken trust between people. Scriptural wisdom can help believers discern when and how to trust others.
Principles for Building Trust
Several biblical principles form a foundation for building trust between people:
- Choose trustworthy people. Proverbs 31:11 says, “The heart of her husband trusts in her.” Trust is built through consistent godly character.
- Keep no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, “It keeps no record of wrongs.” Forgiveness allows trust to be restored.
- Be completely honest. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor.” Honesty proves trustworthiness.
- Do what you say you’ll do. Matthew 5:37 says, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” Follow-through builds trust.
- Invest in the relationship. Proverbs 20:6 says, “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” Loyalty demonstrates trustworthiness.
Building trust requires character and time. But these biblical principles form the foundation.
Principles for Testing Trust
Because people are fallen, even trustworthy individuals can make mistakes. The Bible provides wisdom for testing and verifying trust when needed:
- Test words against the fruit. Matthew 7:15-16 says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” Evaluate claims against long-term evidence of godly character.
- multiply counselors. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Get wise advice to gain broader perspective.
- Investigate carefully. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” It is wise to verify claims when appropriate.
- Ask clarifying questions. Proverbs 18:13 says, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Seek more information to better understand.
- Wait and observe. Proverbs 18:17 states, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” Don’t rush to judgment but take time to evaluate.
While trusting, remain aware. Utilize these principles to test developing or uncertain situations.
Principles for Restoring Broken Trust
When trust is broken, whether through small misunderstandings or major breaches of trust, restoration is possible:
- Confront lovingly. Matthew 18:15 says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.” Handle issues humbly and privately first.
- Forgive fully. Colossians 3:13 instructs, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Let go of grudges and resentment.
- Pursue reconciliation. Matthew 5:23-24 states, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Actively restore the relationship.
- Rebuild slowly. Trust is easy to break and hard to rebuild. Allow time for change through small, consistent actions.
- Look to God. Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Ultimately trust God through the process.
With patience and God’s help, even broken trust can be restored through applying these biblical principles.
Principles for Discerning When to Trust
The Bible provides practical wisdom for discerning when it is wise to extend trust:
- Consider the stakes. Luke 16:10-12 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” Be very selective when trusting with valuable things.
- Look at fruit. Matthew 7:15-18 warns, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit… Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Evaluate the long-term character and impact of a person’s influence.
- Consider claims. 1 John 4:1 teaches, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Use wisdom and discernment to evaluate claims and teaching, aware that not all are trustworthy.
- Look for confirmation. 2 Corinthians 13:1 states, “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Seek credible verification of important matters from multiple trustworthy sources.
- Listen to counsel. Proverbs 11:14 reminds, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Seek wise counsel, especially for major decisions or when uncertain.
The Bible calls Christians to balanced discernment – neither gullible nor paranoid. Measure claims carefully against these principles when extending trust.
Examples of Healthy Trust in the Bible
The Bible contains many examples of healthy trust between people. These examples shed light on godly ways to build and maintain trust:
- Jonathan and David’s friendship. Jonathan trusted his friend David implicitly, even choosing his life over his own royal position (1 Samuel 20). Their loyalty demonstrates deep trust.
- Ruth and Naomi’s bond. Ruth trusted her mother-in-law Naomi’s wisdom, even when it seemed risky. She chose to stay with Naomi instead of seeking easier options (Ruth 1).
- Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego’s courage. These three young exiles trusted God over the King’s command. Their shared trust encouraged unified courage (Daniel 3).
- Jesus and his disciples. The disciples responded to Jesus’ invitation to trust and follow Him, leaving everything else behind (Matthew 4:18-22). This exemplifies trust in God’s call.
- Barnabas’ advocacy. Barnabas demonstrated trust in Paul after his conversion by welcoming him and advocating for him among the apostles (Acts 9:26-27).
These examples illustrate trust lived out through self-sacrifice, loyalty, courage, obedience, and advocacy. Trust manifests itself in relationship and action.
Biblical Warnings About Trust
While biblical trust requires balance and discernment, the Bible strongly warns against trusting without wisdom and caution:
- Do not trust in riches. 1 Timothy 6:17 states, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Wealth is fleeting; only God is a sure foundation.
- Do not trust in other gods. Daniel 3 tells how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship false gods under threat of death. God miraculously rescued them from the fiery furnace for their faith in Him alone.
- Do not trust those practicing evil. Psalm 26:4-5 declares, “I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.” Avoid partnership with deceivers and those engaging in immorality.
- Do not trust your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 warns, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Our perspective is limited; God’s is perfect.
- Do not trust carelessly. Ecclesiastes 7:5 cautions, “It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.” Foolishness leads to poor discernment.
Healthy trust requires wariness of anything that could displace trust in God or undermine the wisdom of His Word.
Trusting God
Ultimately, the Bible calls believers to place absolute trust in God Himself. While we are called to appropriate trust in human relationships, God alone is perfectly faithful, true and able to guide and deliver. Scripture encourages complete reliance on Him:
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Psalm 9:10 – “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- Matthew 6:25-34 – “Do not worry about your life…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Trust rooted in God provides freedom from fear and anxiety. His faithful character is the ultimate foundation for trust.
Conclusion
The Bible provides extensive wisdom for building, restoring, and keeping trust centered on God. While Scripture warns against trusting carelessly in humans or riches, it presents principles for discerning when and how to trust righteously. Healthy biblical trust ultimately manifests itself through self-sacrifice, loyalty, advocacy and a willingness to extend grace and forgiveness. Trust broken through wrongdoing can be restored through repentance, honesty and making amends. Above all, the Bible exhorts believers to place their complete and perfect trust in God alone – the One who is entirely faithful and true.
