A correspondent writes:
Interestingly, most people believe doctors such as Rebecca Shatsky, [a California oncologist specializing in breast cancer] because we have all been programmed from childhood to trust the good specialist with the white coat that works in a highly respected hospital. Same with the teacher, the judge, the preacher and many other occupations where trust almost goes with the occupation. In older days it may have been real and justified, but after the collective behavior of all such professions, in response to COVID-19, how is it possible to trust them?
Psalm 146:3 – “Put not your trust in princes” or HCSB: “Do not trust in nobles, in man, who cannot save.”
The Hebrew word nadiv (“princes” or “nobles”) is a broad term: and not just limited to human rulers, but to anyone in positions of power. Those with titles (and holding powerful positions professionally or in government)vin modern days certainly fit into the category: teacher (Professor, Principal, Superintendent, Doctor, even “Teacher”), judge (Your Honor, Justice, etc.), the preacher (the denominational “pastor” and minister, evangelist, to say nothing of “reverend” and “father” and more), lawyers (esquire, attorney, counsellor, even advocate), and all the titles we give government officials.
The rest of Psalm 146 tells us who is happy: those who put their trust elsewhere than in men and especially in people in power.
The characteristics of the One who can be trusted are clearly stated: “faithful [trustworthy] always, executing justice for the exploited, giving food to the hungry, freeing prisoners, opening the eyes of the blind, raising up those who are oppressed, loving the righteous, protecting foreigners, helping the fatherless and the widow; in summary: “frustates the ways of the wicked.”
Who are the wicked? Those who initiate violence against others, including those who invade and who threaten violence against others when demanding money and service. Those who are parasites, who steal from others. Those who exploit others, deny justice, betray the fundamental principles of liberty, those who steal food or deny food to the hungry, those who imprison people, who blind and maim people, those who dispise and hate (and fear) the righteous, who oppress others (whatever the excuse), those who threaten and aggress against foreigners, those who take advantage of the widow and the orphan, those who are wicked and who facilitate and instigate and applaud, even tolerate, the wicked.
But as is pointed out, we are programmed by those very “princes” from childhood to trust them; to believe their lies; to condemn those who speak the truth about them. Like the pslamist, like the prophets, like those who reject friendship with these in the world. In government, in politics, in health care, in education, and yes, in religion.
What should really gall any honest observer is that all of these princes or nobles betray the very principles that they claim to adhere to. They corrupt their professions, they twist and violate their oaths and promises, they lie about what they do and how they do it.
Lovers of liberty (not just lovers of God) must see through the lies, the perversity, the pursuit of power and wealth.
About TPOL Nathan
Follower of Christ Jesus (a christian), Pahasapan (resident of the Black Hills), Westerner, Lover of Liberty, Free-Market Anarchist, Engineer, Army Officer, Husband, Father, Historian, Writer, Evangelist. Successor to Lady Susan (Mama Liberty) at TPOL.
The Price of Liberty 
Put not your trust…
A correspondent writes:
Interestingly, most people believe doctors such as Rebecca Shatsky, [a California oncologist specializing in breast cancer] because we have all been programmed from childhood to trust the good specialist with the white coat that works in a highly respected hospital. Same with the teacher, the judge, the preacher and many other occupations where trust almost goes with the occupation. In older days it may have been real and justified, but after the collective behavior of all such professions, in response to COVID-19, how is it possible to trust them?
Psalm 146:3 – “Put not your trust in princes” or HCSB: “Do not trust in nobles, in man, who cannot save.”
The Hebrew word nadiv (“princes” or “nobles”) is a broad term: and not just limited to human rulers, but to anyone in positions of power. Those with titles (and holding powerful positions professionally or in government)vin modern days certainly fit into the category: teacher (Professor, Principal, Superintendent, Doctor, even “Teacher”), judge (Your Honor, Justice, etc.), the preacher (the denominational “pastor” and minister, evangelist, to say nothing of “reverend” and “father” and more), lawyers (esquire, attorney, counsellor, even advocate), and all the titles we give government officials.
The rest of Psalm 146 tells us who is happy: those who put their trust elsewhere than in men and especially in people in power.
The characteristics of the One who can be trusted are clearly stated: “faithful [trustworthy] always, executing justice for the exploited, giving food to the hungry, freeing prisoners, opening the eyes of the blind, raising up those who are oppressed, loving the righteous, protecting foreigners, helping the fatherless and the widow; in summary: “frustates the ways of the wicked.”
Who are the wicked? Those who initiate violence against others, including those who invade and who threaten violence against others when demanding money and service. Those who are parasites, who steal from others. Those who exploit others, deny justice, betray the fundamental principles of liberty, those who steal food or deny food to the hungry, those who imprison people, who blind and maim people, those who dispise and hate (and fear) the righteous, who oppress others (whatever the excuse), those who threaten and aggress against foreigners, those who take advantage of the widow and the orphan, those who are wicked and who facilitate and instigate and applaud, even tolerate, the wicked.
But as is pointed out, we are programmed by those very “princes” from childhood to trust them; to believe their lies; to condemn those who speak the truth about them. Like the pslamist, like the prophets, like those who reject friendship with these in the world. In government, in politics, in health care, in education, and yes, in religion.
What should really gall any honest observer is that all of these princes or nobles betray the very principles that they claim to adhere to. They corrupt their professions, they twist and violate their oaths and promises, they lie about what they do and how they do it.
Lovers of liberty (not just lovers of God) must see through the lies, the perversity, the pursuit of power and wealth.
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About TPOL Nathan
Follower of Christ Jesus (a christian), Pahasapan (resident of the Black Hills), Westerner, Lover of Liberty, Free-Market Anarchist, Engineer, Army Officer, Husband, Father, Historian, Writer, Evangelist. Successor to Lady Susan (Mama Liberty) at TPOL.