תהלים, פרק קמ״ו, פסוק ג׳

People naturally seek security by placing their trust in the wealthy and powerful. However, relying on human strength is an illusion that masks the fragile reality of mortal life. The influential members of society—the wealthy, the respected, and the leaders—might seem like reliable sources of support [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מאירי]. Even if these individuals possess a genuine, inner desire to do good and help others [מלבי״ם], placing complete trust in them is a mistake. At their core, they are merely human beings. They are inherently unstable creatures who remain entirely dependent on external circumstances and other people [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

There are two primary ways to understand this lack of human ability. The first approach emphasizes that people simply do not have the independent power to deliver genuine help to those who turn to them [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Even when someone does receive support from influential figures, they must recognize that God is the sole source of that rescue. It is God who directs human hearts to act, just as He moved ancient kings like Cyrus to save Israel. Therefore, ultimate trust must be placed in God alone [רד״ק].

The second approach highlights an even deeper level of human helplessness, noting that a person cannot even save himself. If a powerful leader falls into trouble, he cannot rescue his own life, making it obvious that he cannot save anyone else [אבן עזרא, חומת אנך, אלשיך]. This lack of ability is absolute, as all human influence and power completely vanish the moment a person dies [מאירי]. Often, the urge to rely on influential people comes from a focus on worldly concerns, such as earning a living or securing material benefits. Instead, a person should lift their vision away from temporary solutions and focus on the ultimate good and future redemption that comes exclusively from God [אלשיך].