Lack of security, often in relation to one's future or to one's present position. All human life is insecure, but the future of sinners is particularly dangerous and real security is found only in God.
The insecurity of human life
Isaiah 40:6–8 See also Job 1:13–21; Psalm 90:10, Psalm 146:3–6; Ecclesiastes 9:1, Ecclesiastes 9:12, Ecclesiastes 10:8–9; Jeremiah 51:58; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–3
A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
The insecurity of the sinner's life
Psalm 37:1–2 See also Psalm 37:9–11; Proverbs 6:12–15, Proverbs 11:5, Proverbs 24:19–22, Proverbs 29:1; Isaiah 30:12–14, Isaiah 47:8–11; Jeremiah 6:13–15, Jeremiah 15:5–9, Jeremiah 49:16–18; Amos 8:14
Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.
The insecurity of the rich
1 Timothy 6:17 See also Proverbs 27:24; Luke 12:15–21; 1 Timothy 6:7–10
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
Examples of behaviour motivated by insecurity
Saul's vendetta against David
1 Samuel 18:6–12 See also 1 Samuel 18:17–29, 1 Samuel 19:1, 1 Samuel 19:9–17, 1 Samuel 20:30–31
As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.
Assassination of political rivals
2 Kings 11:1 parallel 2 Chronicles 22:10 See also Judges 9:1–6
When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.
True security is to be found in God alone
Proverbs 14:26 See also Deuteronomy 33:12; 1 Kings 2:45; Psalm 16:5, Psalm 48:8; Proverbs 3:5–6
He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.