King James Bible
"And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth."
Moses warns against an internal dialogue of self-deception—thoughts unspoken but deeply held. The Hebrew concept of 'heart' encompasses mind, will, and emotions, indicating this pride originates in one's deepest convictions. The repetitive emphasis ('power' and 'might') reveals the intensity of human self-reliance, attributing success solely to personal strength and effort. This phrase captures the essence of forgetting God's provision, a critical danger as Israel prepares to enter prosperous Canaan. The claim of self-made prosperity directly contradicts the covenant relationship where God promised to bless Israel's obedience. Moses anticipates how material abundance can lead to spiritual amnesia, forgetting the divine source of all blessings.