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What does the Bible say about following man?

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The Bible warns against placing ultimate trust in human leaders or following their teachings apart from God’s Word, calling believers instead to follow Christ in faith and truth. Psalm 118:8-9 declares that refuge in the Lord is better than confidence in man or princes. Jesus warns that blind guides and those not planted by the Father will fall and be uprooted (Matthew 15:13-14), while Proverbs 14:12 cautions that a way seeming right to man may end in death. Christians should not divide around prominent teachers (1 Corinthians 1:10-13), accept false gospels (Galatians 1:9), or tolerate teaching that abandons Christ’s doctrine (2 John 1:9-11).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Psalms 118:8-9

    [8] It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, Than to put confidence in man. [9] It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, Than to put confidence in princes.

  • Matthew 15:14

    Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit."

  • Proverbs 14:12

    There is a way which seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

    [10] Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [11] For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. [12] Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ." [13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?

  • Matthew 15:9

    And in vain do they worship me, Teaching as doctrine rules made by men.'"

  • Galatians 1:9

    As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any gospel other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

  • 2 John 1:9

    Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;

  • 2 John 1:9-11

    [9] Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you, and doesn't bring this teaching, don't receive him into your house, and don't welcome him, [11] for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

  • Matthew 15:13

    But he answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Father didn't plant will be uprooted.

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