Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5954 strength » 5956 strength, human
All human strength derives from God. Among non-believers, strength may become a source of arrogant self-confidence, the oppression of others or rebellion against God.
The strength of the ungodly
Physical prowess
1 Samuel 17:4-10 See also Numbers 13:31-33
Intelligence
1 Corinthians 1:22 The Gentile world relies on fallen reason rather than revelation. See also Acts 17:19-21,32; Colossians 2:8
Political and military might
Psalm 20:7 See also Genesis 10:8-12; Psalm 33:16; Isaiah 31:1; Isaiah 36:18-20
Prosperity
Psalm 49:6 See also Jeremiah 49:4; Luke 12:18-19; 1 Timothy 6:17
The ultimate futility of human strength
1 Corinthians 1:25 See also 2 Chronicles 32:7-8; Psalm 49:17; Psalm 146:3; Ecclesiastes 5:15; Isaiah 30:1-3; Luke 12:20; 1 Corinthians 1:19-20; Corinthians 2:6; 1 Timothy 6:7; James 1:11
Negative consequences of human strength
Arrogant self-confidence
Genesis 11:4 See also 1 Samuel 17:41-44; Psalm 52:1 Boasting betrays the source of people's confidence; Isaiah 36:8-9; Daniel 4:30; Luke 18:9-12; Galatians 6:13; Philippians 3:3
Violence and oppression
Psalm 52:7 See also Genesis 4:23-24; Exodus 1:11-14; Exodus 5:10-14; Judges 6:2,6; Psalm 37:14; Psalm 73:3-8; Isaiah 5:8; James 5:4-6
The physical strength of some godly men
2 Samuel 23:20 pp 1 Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah; 1 Chronicles 11:20-21 Abishai; Hebrews 11:32-34
See also
5441 philosophy 5457 power, human 6121 boasting 6221 rebellion 8030 trust 8203 character 8219 courage 8790 oppression 8794 persecution 8820 self-confidence
