Deuteronomy 8:17

17 You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”

Deuteronomy 8:17 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 8:17

And thou say in thine heart
These words are in connection with the former part of the ( Deuteronomy 8:14 ) :

and thou forget the Lord thy God;
the author and giver of all the good things enjoyed, and think within themselves, though they might not express it in words at length:

my power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth;
so ascribing that to themselves, their labour, and diligence, which ought to be ascribed to the bounty and blessing of God; see ( Hosea 12:8 ) .

Deuteronomy 8:17 In-Context

15 He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint.

16 He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.

17 You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”

18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.

19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.