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Psalm 118:9

It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes.

7The LORD is on my side among those who help me. Therefore I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
8It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in man.
9It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes.
10All the nations surrounded me, but in the LORD’s name I cut them off.
11They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In the LORD’s name I indeed cut them off.
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← Psalm 118:8Psalm 118:10 →
Notice

Princes bring rank and influence to the question of trust, yet the psalm names YHWH as the better refuge even here.

Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.

Whose position or influence makes their support seem like your strongest source of safety?

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What would taking refuge in YHWH look like if a leader’s decision affected your future?

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Connect

Where else Scripture says this

9 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.

This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Psalm 62:9Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath.Both passages challenge confidence in rank: Psalm 62 describes people of high degree as weightless, and Psalm 118 prefers refuge in the LORD.
Psalm 146:3–5Don’t put your trust in princes, in a son of man in whom there is no help.Both passages name princes as people in whom trust should not be placed.
Isaiah 31:1Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but …Both contrast reliance on human power with seeking the LORD, whether that power belongs to princes or Egypt’s military forces.
Ezekiel 29:7When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke and tore all their shoulders. When they leaned on you, you broke and paralyzed all of their thighs.”Both concern reliance on another, with Ezekiel depicting support that breaks and the psalm naming the LORD as the better refuge.
Daniel 6:9Therefore King Darius signed the writing and the decree.The link is limited to rulers: Psalm 118 names princes, while Daniel records King Darius signing a decree.
1 Samuel 16:21David came to Saul and stood before him. He loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.Both passages mention royal figures, though David’s service to Saul does not itself address where refuge should be sought.
Isaiah 30:2–3who set out to go down into Egypt without asking for my advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt!Both address refuge and royal power: Isaiah names Pharaoh’s strength and Egypt’s shadow, while the psalm prefers refuge in the LORD.
Isaiah 31:8“The Assyrian will fall by the sword, not of man; and the sword, not of mankind, shall devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will become …Both passages look beyond human power, though Isaiah describes the Assyrian’s fall and the psalm speaks of refuge.
Isaiah 30:15–17For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence.” You …Confidence links these passages: Isaiah associates it with God’s declared way of strength, while the psalm warns against placing it in princes.
Where this verse fits

Fear for the future. a big decision. leadership weight.

What the Bible says about fear →
One step

Something small to carry out of this verse

Copy Psalm 118:9; underline “LORD” and “princes”

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Encouragement

A leader’s favor can matter in your life. Even so, the psalm’s judgment stands: taking refuge in YHWH is better than confidence in princes.

Now put it in your words.

Start an entry on Psalm 118:9. Write what it stirs. Psalmlog sets your words beside Scripture and gives you one next step. Your first entry is free, no account needed.

Keep goingPsalm 118 · the whole chapter with its connection mapPsalms · every chapterBuild a reading plan through Psalms

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).