Deuteronomy 8:17

17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”

Deuteronomy 8:17 in Other Translations

17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

17 Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.'

17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’

17 If you start thinking to yourselves, "I did all this. And all by myself. I'm rich. It's all mine!" -

17 You may say to yourself, 'My power and my own ability have gained 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 dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock.

16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you.

17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”

18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

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

Cross References

• 1. Dt 9:4,7,24; Deuteronomy 31:27
• 2. Judges 7:2; Psalms 44:3; Isaiah 10:13