In today’s culture, it’s easy to elevate people—celebrities, leaders, influencers—even ourselves.
But as followers of Christ, we are called to worship God and Him alone. The Bible is clear: worshiping man leads us away from God’s truth and purpose.
True worship belongs only to the Lord, the Creator of all.
This post will guide you through powerful Bible verses that warn against worshiping people and encourage us to keep our hearts and devotion centered on God.
Trusting God’s Word helps us discern where our worship belongs and draws us closer to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
1. Exodus 20:3 (NIV)
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
This commandment sets the tone for all worship. God makes it clear that He alone is worthy of our devotion. Placing anyone—man or otherwise—above Him is idolatry.
Reflection: This verse calls us to examine our hearts and ensure our loyalty belongs fully to God. It’s a reminder to keep Him first in every area of our lives.
2. Jeremiah 17:5 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.'”
Trusting in man more than God leads to spiritual weakness. We must rely on God, not human power or influence.
Reflection: When we shift our trust from man to God, we experience a life grounded in His strength, not dependent on human limitations.
3. Psalm 146:3 (NIV)
“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”
No human being—no matter how powerful—can offer salvation. Only God saves. This verse reminds us to reserve our worship and ultimate trust for Him.
Reflection: Worshiping man puts us on unstable ground. But worshiping God anchors us in truth and hope.
4. Acts 10:25–26 (NIV)
“As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.'”
Even faithful leaders like Peter understood that worship belongs only to God. He refused to accept glory that wasn’t his to take.
Reflection: True spiritual leaders point others to God—not themselves. This verse encourages humility and reverence toward the One who truly deserves worship.
5. Revelation 19:10 (NIV)
“At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you… Worship God!'”
Even angels refuse worship. This verse reinforces that only God should be worshiped, never His servants or messengers.
Reflection: It’s a beautiful reminder that our awe and praise belong to God alone, the source of all authority and glory.
6. Matthew 4:10 (NIV)
“Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”
Jesus Himself affirmed the command to worship God alone when confronted with temptation. His response should shape our own hearts.
Reflection: In every situation, especially when we’re tempted to idolize people, we’re called to follow Jesus’ example and worship only the Lord.
7. Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
This verse challenges us to evaluate our motives. Are we living to please others, or to honor God?
Reflection: Seeking human approval over God’s leads us away from His will. A Christ-centered life focuses on pleasing Him, not people.
8. Isaiah 2:22 (NIV)
“Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?”
Isaiah reminds us of human frailty. People are limited; only God is eternal and worthy of our ultimate trust.
Reflection: This verse invites us to shift our worship from the temporary to the eternal—fixing our hearts on God, not man.
9. Romans 1:25 (NIV)
“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”
This verse speaks to how easily we can be misled when we place people or things above God. Worshiping the creation rather than the Creator distorts our faith.
Reflection: This challenges us to ask: what (or who) are we giving our devotion to? God alone is worthy of our praise.
10. Colossians 2:18 (NIV)
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
Paul warns the Colossians not to fall for religious-sounding teachings that elevate anyone or anything above God. This includes spiritual figures or so-called messengers.
Reflection: Worship must be grounded in truth. Even well-meaning practices can lead us astray if they don’t center on God.
11. Deuteronomy 6:13 (NIV)
“Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.”
God calls His people to a singular devotion. Serving Him only means rejecting any form of man-centered worship.
Reflection: This verse inspires purity in our worship, focusing all our devotion on the One who is holy and just.
12. 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
Paul reminds us that even leaders in the faith are just vessels—God is the one who brings the increase.
Reflection: This humbles us and helps us avoid idolizing people. It encourages us to keep our hearts fixed on God’s power and provision.
13. Matthew 23:12 (NIV)
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus warns against pride—both in ourselves and in others. Worshiping man often stems from pride or seeking recognition.
Reflection: This verse calls us to humility, reminding us that God honors those who bow before Him alone.
Conclusion: Worship Belongs to God Alone
The Bible is crystal clear—worshiping man leads us astray, while worshiping God leads us into truth, peace, and purpose.
In a world full of influencers, public figures, and idols, it’s more important than ever to fix our eyes on the One who never changes.
Let these verses guide your heart back to God, where true worship begins and flourishes. Share this message with friends and family, and be a light that points others to Jesus—the only One worthy of our worship.
