Deuteronomy 28:8

The blessing that maketh rich.

I. FULL STOREHOUSES , WITHOUT GOD 'S BLESSING , ARE NOT RICHES . God does not count a man rich further than the good things he has are of real and lasting benefit to him. Wealth unblessed of God is not to be desired.

1. Unblessed good is ill ( Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 ).

2. It turns to ill—is not enduring ( Proverbs 13:22 ), takes wings and leaves, is a curse to offspring ( Ecclesiastes 5:14 , Ecclesiastes 5:15 ; Ecclesiastes 6:2 ; James 5:1 , James 5:2 ).

II. GOD 'S BLESSING , WITHOUT FULL STOREHOUSES , MAKES RICH .

1. It enriches the little we have. A man with a moderate competence, and peace and comfort in the use of it, may be richer than the man whose means are tenfold greater ( Psalms 37:16 ).

2. It makes adversity a means of spiritual enrichment.

3. It is itself the best of all riches ( Habakkuk 3:17-19 ).—J.O.