Psalms 115:8

They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

Psalms 115:8 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 115 contrasts the living God with idols made by human hands. The preceding verses describe idols that have mouths, eyes, ears, noses, hands, and feet, yet they cannot speak, see, hear, smell, handle, or walk. These idols are lifeless and powerless. Verse 8 draws a direct parallel: those who make and trust in such idols become like them—spiritually blind, deaf, and unresponsive to the truth.

Meaning

“They that make them are like unto them” refers to those who make and worship idols. The Hebrew verb for “make” can also mean “serve” or “worship,” so the warning extends to all who serve idols, not just craftsmen. Since idols are lifeless and powerless, those who worship them become like the lifeless and powerless objects of their worship. “So is every one that trusteth in them” emphasizes the spiritual consequence: those who place their trust in idols become spiritually empty and devoid of true life, just as the idols they worship are lifeless.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the broader biblical theme that we become like what we worship. The same warning appears in Psalm 135:18, which repeats the identical truth about idol makers and those who trust in idols. The New Testament reinforces this principle in Romans 1:28, where those who reject God are given over to a debased mind, showing that turning from the true God leads to spiritual decay. These connections confirm that the principle is consistent throughout Scripture.

Application

Examine your worship. Reflect on the things or priorities you place your trust in. Are there any “idols” in your life that you have unknowingly elevated to a position of worship? Evaluate whether they are worthy of your devotion or if they are hindering your relationship with the true God.

Put your trust in God. Recognize the limitations of worldly idols and false gods. Place your trust fully in the living God who is able to bring true life, fulfillment, and salvation. Seek to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him through prayer, reading His Word, and following His commands.

Reflect Christ’s character. As you worship the true God, allow His character and nature to shape your own. Seek to reflect His love, compassion, and power in your life, becoming a living testimony of His transformative work.

Reflection

This verse is a sobering reminder to examine what we trust in—whether material possessions, human wisdom, or our own righteousness—and to turn from all forms of idolatry to the living God, who alone is worthy of our faith and devotion. The idols of our age may not be carved images, but they can still capture our hearts. When we trust in the true God, we are transformed into His image and experience the abundant life He offers.