Old Testament
Psalms 146:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Do not put your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
Compare translations
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
What Psalms 146:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns against placing our trust in powerful people, like princes or leaders, because they are ultimately human and can fail us. The phrase 'son of man' refers to humanity in general, emphasizing that no human being can provide the help and security we truly need. Instead, the verse encourages us to seek our trust and hope in God, who is reliable and capable of providing true support. The context of this verse is a reminder that human authority is limited and can be unreliable, especially in times of trouble. By relying on God rather than on human leaders, we can find a more stable and lasting source of help and guidance. This teaching is particularly relevant in a world where political and social leaders often disappoint or let us down, reminding us to focus on our faith in God as our ultimate source of strength and assistance.
How to apply Psalms 146:3 to your life
In daily life, remember to place your trust in God rather than in people or systems that may fail. When facing challenges, turn to prayer and scripture for guidance and support, knowing that God is always there to help you through difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 146:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 146:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 146:3 mean?
Psalms 146:3 advises against trusting in powerful people, like princes, because they are human and can fail. It emphasizes that true help and security come from God, who is reliable and capable of providing support.
What is the meaning of 'son of man' in Psalms 146:3?
In Psalms 146:3, 'son of man' refers to humanity in general, highlighting that no human being can offer the help we truly need. This phrase underscores the limitations of human authority.
How can I apply Psalms 146:3 in my life?
To apply Psalms 146:3, focus on trusting God rather than people or systems that may fail. In challenging times, turn to prayer and scripture for guidance, knowing that God is always there to support you.
Why should we not trust in princes according to Psalms 146:3?
Psalms 146:3 suggests we should not trust in princes because they are human and limited in their ability to help. The verse reminds us that only God can provide the lasting support we need.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.