The Israelites were told not to say their own power gained them wealth because such thinking leads to pride, forgetfulness of God, and spiritual ruin. Moses warned them that after entering the land and experiencing prosperity, they would be tempted to take credit for their success rather than acknowledging God as the source.
“Then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…” (Deuteronomy 8:17–18)
God gave them the land, provided for their needs, and even enabled their labor to bear fruit. The danger was not in having wealth, but in forgetting the Giver. Self-reliance breeds arrogance and disobedience. Moses knew that prosperity could dull their spiritual sensitivity and cause them to trust in themselves instead of God.
Forgetting God in times of abundance is just as dangerous as doubting Him in times of lack. By attributing wealth to their own strength, Israel would break the covenant and invite judgment. God’s provision was a fulfillment of His promise to the patriarchs, not a reward for human effort.
This warning stands as a timeless principle: all blessings come from God, and to acknowledge Him is to walk in humility and obedience.
