Deuteronomy 8:17 - and lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 8:17" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 8:17 is a warning against taking pride in one's own accomplishments, particularly in acquiring wealth. It's a reminder that prosperity is ultimately a gift from God, not solely a result of one's own hard work and strength. Let's break down its meaning:
"and lest you say in your heart...": This indicates that the danger isn't just in saying it aloud, but in the thought itself. The temptation to take personal credit for success is a subtle and internal one.
"My power and the might of my hand...": This refers to one's personal strength, abilities, skills, and hard work. The temptation is to believe that these are the sole reason for one's wealth.
"has gotten me this wealth.": This is the core issue. It's the belief that personal effort is the only factor in achieving prosperity, ignoring any external factors or divine blessing.
In essence, the verse is warning against:
Pride and Arrogance: Believing that one's own abilities are the only reason for success can lead to pride, which can damage relationships with God and others.
Forgetting God's Role: The verse encourages remembering that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, including wealth and prosperity.
Self-Reliance: Over-reliance on oneself can lead to neglecting one's relationship with God and overlooking the needs of others.
The broader context of Deuteronomy 8 is important:
The chapter reminds the Israelites of their time in the wilderness, where God provided for them despite their lack of resources. This was to teach them humility and dependence on Him. The warning in verse 17 is a reminder that even in times of prosperity, they should not forget the lessons learned in the wilderness.
In modern terms, this verse is a reminder to:
Be humble about your accomplishments.
Acknowledge the help and support you've received from others.
Remember that luck, opportunity, and divine favor often play a role in success.
Use your wealth responsibly and generously, recognizing that it is ultimately a gift.
The verse doesn't say that hard work isn't important, but rather that it's not the only thing that matters. It's a call to maintain a balanced perspective and to recognize the hand of God in all aspects of life. It's also a warning against the dangers of materialism and the temptation to define one's worth by material possessions.
Deuteronomy 8:17 - and lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.”
What does "Deuteronomy 8:17" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 8:17 is a warning against taking pride in one's own accomplishments, particularly in acquiring wealth. It's a reminder that prosperity is ultimately a gift from God, not solely a result of one's own hard work and strength. Let's break down its meaning:
"and lest you say in your heart...": This indicates that the danger isn't just in saying it aloud, but in the thought itself. The temptation to take personal credit for success is a subtle and internal one.
"My power and the might of my hand...": This refers to one's personal strength, abilities, skills, and hard work. The temptation is to believe that these are the sole reason for one's wealth.
"has gotten me this wealth.": This is the core issue. It's the belief that personal effort is the only factor in achieving prosperity, ignoring any external factors or divine blessing.
In essence, the verse is warning against:
Pride and Arrogance: Believing that one's own abilities are the only reason for success can lead to pride, which can damage relationships with God and others.
Forgetting God's Role: The verse encourages remembering that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, including wealth and prosperity.
Self-Reliance: Over-reliance on oneself can lead to neglecting one's relationship with God and overlooking the needs of others.
The broader context of Deuteronomy 8 is important:
The chapter reminds the Israelites of their time in the wilderness, where God provided for them despite their lack of resources. This was to teach them humility and dependence on Him. The warning in verse 17 is a reminder that even in times of prosperity, they should not forget the lessons learned in the wilderness.
In modern terms, this verse is a reminder to:
Be humble about your accomplishments.
Acknowledge the help and support you've received from others.
Remember that luck, opportunity, and divine favor often play a role in success.
Use your wealth responsibly and generously, recognizing that it is ultimately a gift.
The verse doesn't say that hard work isn't important, but rather that it's not the only thing that matters. It's a call to maintain a balanced perspective and to recognize the hand of God in all aspects of life. It's also a warning against the dangers of materialism and the temptation to define one's worth by material possessions.