On Trust in God
J. Grant, M. A. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe. As a strong tower was considered, under the ancient system of warfare, to be a place of entire security from harm, this text is nothing else than a figurative manner of expressing the extreme importance of putting our whole trust in God. The reasonableness of this duty will appear if we consider the Divine perfections. 1. God's unlimited power. It is proclaimed by the heavens, the work of His fingers, and by the earth, which He has suspended upon nothing. Everything declares that He is at least fully competent to our preservation and deliverance. 2. His particular providence, as displayed in the government of the universe. Even things which we are wont to regard as casual and trivial are subjected to His perpetual control. 3. His beneficence. He is ever ready to relieve and to bless. He is not only competent, He is willing to promote our good. 4. His tried and approved veracity "God is faithful, who hath promised." In our intercourse with each other, experience is the basis of confidence, of mercantile credit, and of moral character. The same principle should lead us to place confidence in God. Two remarks to guard the subject from misconception. (1) God may sometimes appear unkind, and yet be not the less deserving of our full reliance. (2) A compliance with the Divine will is an indispensable requisite to a well-grounded confidence in the Divine favour. A right trust in God includes personal exertions towards attaining the objects of our desire. (J. Grant, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. WEB: The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.