Question:
As followers of Christ who trust in God’s power and providence, is it right to hire security guards to protect our personal property or church assets? Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (NIV). Does that mean relying on security measures is unbiblical?
Answer:
No, it is not a sin to hire guards or put in place protective measures for your property. In fact, the Bible supports wise stewardship and personal responsibility. God gives us wisdom, and part of that wisdom includes safeguarding what He has entrusted to us.
Hiring guards does not contradict faith—it only becomes a problem when we place our ultimate trust in human security instead of in the Lord. The key is where our faith rests.
What Does Psalm 127:1 Really Mean?
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127:1, NIV)
This verse is not condemning human effort—it’s reminding us that all human effort is ultimately fruitless unless God is involved. It does not prohibit taking action or using guards; rather, it teaches that true security comes from the Lord. When God blesses your work or protection, your efforts are not in vain.
Biblical Example: Nehemiah’s Balance of Faith and Wisdom
A great example is found in the life of Nehemiah. When God called him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he faced serious threats from enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah. Nehemiah fully trusted in God—but he also took practical steps by posting guards.
“But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” (Nehemiah 4:9, NIV)
This is a perfect biblical model of faith in action. Nehemiah didn’t trust in the guards alone—he prayed first. But he also didn’t ignore his responsibility to protect the people and the work. This teaches us that spiritual dependence on God and practical wisdom go hand in hand.
Even Jesus affirmed the value of planning and protection:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28, NIV)
Wisdom involves preparing for risk and acting responsibly.
Trust in God Must Always Come First
We are called to be wise stewards—not careless. Leaving your house unlocked overnight or your business unsecured while expecting nothing to go wrong is not faith—that’s recklessness. God protects, but He also expects us to act wisely.
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7, NIV)
This was Jesus’ response to Satan when tempted to jump from the temple, relying on angels to save Him. Deliberate carelessness while expecting divine protection is testing God, not trusting Him.
If by accident you forget to lock your doors and God protects your property, that’s His grace. But choosing not to lock them while saying “God will protect it anyway” is presumptuous and unbiblical.
Guarding Spiritual Things Is Even More Important
While guarding physical possessions is wise, guarding your spiritual blessings is even more important. Salvation, faith, and truth are precious gifts that Satan actively seeks to steal.
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11, NIV)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)
“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:24–25, NIV)
These verses emphasize spiritual vigilance. After salvation, we must not become spiritually lazy. The enemy is always trying to deceive, discourage, and rob believers of their spiritual inheritance.
As Christians, we must take responsibility for protecting what God has given us—physically and spiritually. Just as God sends His angels to guard us:
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11, NIV)
—we too are called to guard what He’s entrusted to us. Doing so reflects God’s own nature as a protector. Let us trust Him above all, but also act with wisdom and diligence.
May the Lord bless you and help you to be faithful with everything He has entrusted to you.
A Final Word:
If you have not yet received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so today. These are the last days, and Christ’s return is near. When the trumpet sounds and Jesus comes for His people, where will you be?
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