Who Really Gave You That Wealth?

Many people proudly claim, “I built this,” or “I earned this,” without ever considering the One who made it all possible. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 offers a sobering and necessary reminder for believers: everything we have—our wealth, our strength, our success—comes from God alone.

This powerful Bible study explores the rich truth found in these verses, where Moses speaks to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land. He warns them not to let pride take root in their hearts once they begin to experience prosperity. His words are timeless and just as relevant today. When we experience abundance, it's not uncommon to fall into the trap of self-reliance, believing that our hard work and intelligence are the reasons for our success. But the Bible tells a different story—one where God is at the center of every blessing, and where our role is to remember, honor, and trust Him.

In Deuteronomy 8:17, Moses anticipates the dangerous mindset that might arise in the hearts of the people: “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me.’” This false belief leads to pride and forgetfulness of God’s goodness. Moses corrects this thinking in verse 18, reminding them that it is the Lord who gives them the power to gain wealth—not for selfish purposes, but to fulfill His covenant and glorify His name. What a profound truth: our blessings are part of a bigger plan, not just for our own comfort, but for the unfolding of God’s promises.

This study dives into the heart of these two verses, unpacking their meaning phrase by phrase. It reflects on the nature of pride, the ease with which we forget God when life is going well, and the importance of continually recognizing God as the ultimate provider. We examine how even our abilities—our strength, our intellect, our opportunities—are not truly our own, but gifts from the Lord. As Moses exhorts the people to remember, so must we pause and reflect on all that God has done for us, especially in times of increase and blessing.

You’ll be encouraged to adopt a mindset of thankfulness and humility, recognizing that what you have is not a result of your own doing, but of God’s grace. This isn’t to discourage hard work or initiative—rather, it’s to redirect our focus so that our success leads us back to worship, not away from it. As we acknowledge the Lord as the source of every good thing, we deepen our relationship with Him and grow in faithfulness.

This study also addresses how we can be good stewards of the resources God has given us. When we understand that our wealth is not our own, but a trust from God, it changes how we handle it. It inspires generosity, compassion, and purpose. Instead of hoarding what we’ve been given, we become vessels for God’s work—blessing others, supporting ministries, and helping fulfill God’s kingdom purposes on earth.

Whether you are experiencing abundance right now or hoping for a breakthrough, these verses offer a foundation for how to view prosperity from a biblical perspective. You’ll walk away from this study with a renewed appreciation for God’s provision, a heart ready to honor Him with your resources, and a reminder to keep Him at the center of your life in every season.

Let this be a moment to reflect, recalibrate, and refocus on the One who gives us life, breath, and everything else. May your heart be stirred to gratitude, your mind anchored in truth, and your life a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Scripture quotations taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.