It is inaccurate to say that God is able to do “exceeding abundantly” above all we ask or think—period. This verse goes on to say that what God is able to do is according to the power that works in us. No power working in us equals no manifestation of God’s power.

The Lord doesn’t work “sovereignly” as the word is most often used; i.e., independently of us. He has to flow through us because of the laws of authority that He established. If the Lord was accomplishing His will without the power that’s working in us, then things would be much better than they are. We limit what God can do, because of our unbelief (Psalm 78:41; Matthew 17:20; Hebrews 4:2, and 11:15).

Note 15
Many use only the first part of this verse and omit “according to the power that worketh in us.” That changes the whole meaning. It is not true that God will do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, period. He has that power, but this verse ties the use of His ability to the power that works in us. No power working in us means there will be no power of God coming through us.

Jesus told us in Acts 1:8 of the power that we would receive when the Holy Ghost comes upon us. Romans 1:16 says the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (see note 1 at that verse). However, Christ is called the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), and in context (Christ dwelling in our hearts, Ephesians 3:17), this is Paul’s probable meaning here. The power of God could also be referring to all the operation of God in our lives including Christ, the power of the Holy Ghost, faith, the Word, love, etc.
 

Luke Chapter 6
(Luke 6:1-5) The disciples pluck corn on the sabbath.
(Luke 6:6-11) Works of mercy suitable to the sabbath day.
(Luke 6:12-19) The apostles chosen.
(Luke 6:20-26) Blessings and woes declared.
(Luke 6:27-36) Christ exhorts to mercy.
(Luke 6:37-49) And to justice and sincerity.

Luke 6:1
Christ justifies his disciples in a work of necessity for themselves on the sabbath day, and that was plucking the ears of corn when they were hungry. But we must take heed that we mistake not this liberty for leave to commit sin. Christ will have us to know and remember that it is his day, therefore to be spent in his service, and to his honour.

Luke 6:6
Christ was neither ashamed nor afraid to own the purposes of his grace. He healed the poor man, though he knew that his enemies would take advantage against him for it. Let us not be drawn either from our duty or from our usefulness by any opposition. We may well be amazed, that the sons of men should be so wicked.

Luke 6:12
We often think one half hour a great deal to spend in meditation and secret prayer, but Christ was whole nights engaged in these duties. In serving God, our great care should be not to lose time, but to make the end of one good duty the beginning of another. The twelve apostles are here named; never were men so privileged, yet one of them had a devil, and proved a traitor. Those who have not faithful preaching near them, had better travel far than be without it. It is indeed worth while to go a great way to hear the word of Christ, and to go out of the way of other business for it. They came to be cured by him, and he healed them. There is a fulness of grace in Christ, and healing virtue in him, ready to go out from him, that is enough for all, enough for each. Men regard the diseases of the body as greater evils than those of their souls; but the Scripture teaches us differently.

Luke 6:20
Here begins a discourse of Christ, most of which is also found in Matthew 5 and 7. But some think that this was preached at another time and place. All believers that take the precepts of the gospel to themselves, and live by them, may take the promises of the gospel to themselves, and live upon them. Woes are denounced against prosperous sinners as miserable people, though the world envies them. Those are blessed indeed whom Christ blesses, but those must be dreadfully miserable who fall under his woe and curse! What a vast advantage will the saint have over the sinner in the other world! and what a wide difference will there be in their rewards, how much soever the sinner may prosper, and the saint be afflicted here!

Luke 6:27
These are hard lessons to flesh and blood. But if we are thoroughly grounded in the faith of Christ's love, this will make his commands easy to us. Every one that comes to him for washing in his blood, and knows the greatness of the mercy and the love there is in him, can say, in truth and sincerity, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Let us then aim to be merciful, even according to the mercy of our heavenly Father to us.

Luke 6:37
All these sayings Christ often used; it was easy to apply them. We ought to be very careful when we blame others; for we need allowance ourselves. If we are of a giving and a forgiving spirit, we shall ourselves reap the benefit. Though full and exact returns are made in another world, not in this world, yet Providence does what should encourage us in doing good. Those who follow the multitude to do evil, follow in the broad way that leads to destruction. The tree is known by its fruits; may the word of Christ be so grafted in our hearts, that we may be fruitful in every good word and work. And what the mouth commonly speaks, generally agrees with what is most in the heart. Those only make sure work for their souls and eternity, and take the course that will profit in a trying time, who think, speak, and act according to the words of Christ. Those who take pains in religion, found their hope upon Christ, who is the Rock of Ages, and other foundation can no man lay. In death and judgment they are safe, being kept by the power of Christ through faith unto salvation, and they shall never perish.
 

What are the “things” Jesus is speaking about? They are the things listed in the previous verses. Specifically, the Lord said what we need to eat, where we sleep, and what we are clothed with will all be taken care of by God if we will seek first and foremost the Lord and His righteousness. If we put God first in our lives, God will supernaturally take care of our needs.

When God starts supplying our needs, He will do it better than we ever could. God is El Shaddai, not El Cheapo. He paves His streets with pure gold, and He makes His gates out of pearls (Revelation 21:21). God is extravagant. When He starts being our provider, His supply will be extravagant. If we aren’t tempted to be embarrassed at God’s abundant provision, then we haven’t fully tapped into His supply.

Notice the use of the word “first.” This is speaking of priorities. We have to focus some attention on earthly things, but they should never be our priority. God and His kingdom should always come first in our priorities, and when they are, He supernaturally takes care of all the natural things we need.
 

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.But my God shall supply all your need - That is,

"You have shown your regard for me as a friend of God, by sending to me in my distress, and I have confidence that, in return for all this, God will supply all your needs, when you are in circumstances of necessity."

Paul's confidence in this seems not to have been founded on any express revelation; but on the general principle that God would regard their offering with favor. Nothing is lost, even in the present life, by doing good. In thousands of instances it is abundantly repaid.

The benevolent are not usually poor; and if they are, God often raises up for them benefactions, and sends supplies in a manner as unexpected, and hearing proofs of divine interposition as decided, as when supplies were sent by the ravens to the prophet.

According to his riches in glory - see the notes, Ephesians 3:16. The word "riches" here means, His abundant fullness; His possessing all things; His inexhaustible ability to supply their needs.

The phrase "in glory," is probably to he connected with the following phrase, "in Christ Jesus;" and means that the method of imparting supplies to people was through Jesus Christ, and was a glorious method; or, that it was done in a glorious manner. It is such an expression as Paul is accustomed to use, when speaking of what God does. He is not satisfied with saying simply that it is so; but connects with it the idea that whatever God does is done in a way worthy of himself, and so as to illustrate his own perfections.

In Christ Jesus - By the medium of Christ; or through him. All the favors that Paul expected for himself, or his fellow-men, he believed would be conferred through the Redeemer. Even the supply of our temporal needs comes to us through the Saviour.

Were it not for the atonement, there is no more reason to suppose that blessings would be conferred upon people than that they would be on fallen angels. For them no atonement has been made; and at the hand of justice they have received only wretchedness and woe.
 

[God is able to make all grace abound toward you] God is able to:

1. Give you much more than this (2Chr. 25:9).

2. Deliver you (Dan. 3:17).

3. Raise up children from stones (Mt. 3:9).

4. Destroy body and soul in hell (Mt. 10:28).

5. Graft them in again (Rom. 11:23).

6. Make him to stand (Rom. 14:4).

7. Make all grace abound (2Cor. 9:8).

8. Subdue all things (Php. 3:21).

9. Keep all committed to Him (2Tim. 1:12).

10. Help the tempted (Heb. 2:18).

11. Save from death (Heb. 5:7).

12. Save to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25).

b [always having all sufficiency in all things] If this is not true of any believer he is coming short of gospel provision. Such grace is measured out according to the sowing (2Cor. 9:6). This is the law and there is no exception to the rule. That this is the cause of failure to reap is further proved in 2Cor. 9:9-10. If we give to the poor it shall be given to us again (2Cor. 9:6; Lk. 6:38). If we sow seed we shall reap a harvest (2Cor. 9:10).

c [to every good work] This does not refer only to good works to the poor, but also to miraculous works of the gospel, for it is "every good work," not certain ones (1Cor. 15:58).

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Twenty-two Acts of God

1. He hears prayer (Ps. 65:2).

2. He purges sin (Ps. 65:3).

3. He chooses men (Ps. 65:4).

4. He receives men.

5. He satisfies men with His goodness.

6. He provides an eternal home.

7. He manifests justice to men (Ps. 65:5).

8. He inspires confidence in men.

9. He creates by His power (Ps. 65:6).

10. He controls the waves of the sea (Ps. 65:7).

11. He stills the angry mobs of men.

12. He instills fear in men (Ps. 65:8).

13. He makes creation rejoice (Ps. 65:8,13).

14. He travels between heaven and earth (Ps. 65:9).

15. He waters and enriches the earth (Ps. 65:9-10).

16. He provides for man (Ps. 65:9).

17. He prepares earth for crops (Ps. 65:10).

18. He blesses the crops.

19. He makes man prosperous (Ps. 65:11).

20. He sends His blessings abundantly upon the earth (Ps. 65:12).

21. He provides pastures for the flocks (Ps. 65:13).

22. He blesses men with grain.

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Psalms Chapter 36
(Psalms 36:1-4) The bad state of the wicked.
(Psalms 36:5-12) The goodness of God.

Psalms 36:1
From this psalm our hearts should be duly affected with hatred of sin, and seek satisfaction in God's loving-kindness. Here is the root of bitterness, from which all the wickedness of wicked men comes. It takes rise from contempt of God, and the want of due regard to him.

Also from the deceit they put upon their own souls. Let us daily beg of God to preserve us from self-flattery. Sin is very hurtful to the sinner himself, and therefore ought to be hateful; but it is not so. It is no marvel, if those that deceive themselves, seek to deceive all mankind; to whom will they be true, who are false to their own souls?

It is bad to do mischief, but worse to devise it, to do it with plot and management. If we willingly banish holy meditations in our solitary hours, Satan will soon occupy our minds with sinful imaginations. Hardened sinners stand to what they have done, as though they could justify it before God himself.

Psalms 36:5
Men may shut up their compassion, yet, with God we shall find mercy. This is great comfort to all believers, plainly to be seen, and not to be taken away. God does all wisely and well; but what he does we know not now, it is time enough to know hereafter. God's loving-kindness is precious to the saints.

They put themselves under his protection, and then are safe and easy. Gracious souls, though still desiring more of God, never desire more than God. The gifts of Providence so far satisfy them, that they are content with such things as they have. The benefit of holy ordinances is sweet to a sanctified soul, and strengthening to the spiritual and Divine life.

But full satisfaction is reserved for the future state. Their joys shall be constant. God not only works in them a gracious desire for these pleasures, but by his Spirit fills their souls with joy and peace in believing. He quickens whom he will; and whoever will, may come, and take from him of the waters of life freely.

May we know, and love, and uprightly serve the Lord; then no proud enemy, on earth or from hell, shall separate us from his love. Faith calleth things that are not, as though they were. It carries us forward to the end of time; it shows us the Lord, on his throne of judgment; the empire of sin fallen to rise no more.
 

Hope is a positive imagination (see my notes at Romans 8:24 and 15:4). Therefore, God is the God of vision, or positive imaginations, and He wants to fill us with joy, peace, and faith to produce nothing but positive imaginations. Notice that it takes the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this. We can’t do this in our own human abilities. So those who are low on hope are not in the power of the Holy Spirit but in the vanity of their flesh.

Faith is a noun and believe is a verb. So this is speaking of the acting out of faith. For faith to be put into practice, joy and peace need to be in operation. A person without joy and peace may have faith, but they don’t believe.

Notice that we are to abound in hope. This is a distinguishing characteristic of those who truly believe. This can be applied to specific situations in our lives. If we truly believe concerning our health, there will be joy, peace, and hope concerning our futures. The same is true with our wealth and with those we are praying for. A lack of these things signals the presence of unbelief.
 

The storehouse was where people kept their food. When they were hungry, they would go to the storehouse to get fed. So, the storehouse is where we get fed.

In a perfect situation, the local church is the primary New Testament storehouse. It is God’s perfect plan for feeding His body. It not only teaches God’s Word, but also is there for counsel, marriages, burials, encouragement, fellowship, and a multitude of other things that can only be accomplished by someone who is local.

But many churches today aren’t operating as the local church should. Many give very little biblical instruction or just a social gospel; they don’t meet the needs of the believers. So, many Christians have to turn to media ministers or traveling ministers to get fed. This isn’t a perfect system.

When you get sick, you can’t call a media minister to come anoint you with oil (James 5:14-15). A media minister can’t baptize you, give you marriage counseling, or be there to help you raise your children and grandchildren.

If you are being fed by other ministers outside of your local church, then it’s correct to give where you are fed. If you are in a good church, the bulk of your giving should go to your local church because they will be able to minister to you in ways that other ministries can’t.

But if, for whatever reason, you aren’t in a local church that is feeding you, give where you are fed or split your giving between the local church and other ministries proportional to how you are being fed. Whatever you do, don’t just give to any organization because you are condemned into doing so. You should give where you are fed.

If we would follow this guideline, those who are truly feeding the body of Christ, whether church or ministry, would prosper, and those who are just fleecing the body would have their finances dry up. Charlatans don’t truly feed people. They are just using and manipulating people.

When we bring all the tithes to where we are fed, the Lord will cause supernatural provision to come back to us. We won’t have less because we have given, but more. There will be so much, we won’t have room enough to receive all the blessings.

What are the blessings the Lord pours out on us? We can certainly say these blessings are not money, houses, clothes, cars, etc. The Lord doesn’t give us these things directly. He moves through people, and they are the ones God uses to deliver these necessities. “Men [shall] give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38, brackets mine). Or as Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us, God gives us the “power to get wealth.” He doesn’t give us wealth directly, but He gives us the power to get wealth.

These blessings the Lord pours out on us are anointing, favor, ideas, gifts, abilities, etc., so that when we put them to use, they produce the physical things we need.

As we walk in the direction the Lord is leading us and use our faith, people begin to respond and finances come our way. This is true whether it is a minister who is receiving offerings directly from people or a businessman receiving ideas from the Lord causing his business to prosper. The Lord feeds the birds (Matthew 6:26), but He doesn’t throw it in their nests.
 

Note 3
Paul had used the Macedonians’ example of generosity to provoke the Corinthians in their giving. Here, he turned to the supreme example of giving; that is, Christ Himself.
God didn’t just give us something that He had; He gave Himself. What was God’s motive for giving? It wasn’t because of His need, but ours. He was motivated out of love for us (John 3:16). In the same way, Paul was encouraging these Corinthians to give unselfishly to the poor saints in Jerusalem.

Note 4
Jesus did have money. He even designated one of His disciples to be the treasurer (John 13:29). However, Jesus was poor compared to what He had before coming to earth. He was also poor in the same way that Paul was poor at times; i.e., He voluntarily did without things in order to reach others. He said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

Note 5
Some people have tried to spiritualize this verse to apply only to spiritual or emotional poverty and wealth, but the context of this verse is definitely speaking about physical poverty and wealth; that is, money (see note 1 at 2 Corinthians 8:1).

It is a true statement that Jesus made Himself poor spiritually and emotionally so that we could become wealthy in those areas. However, it is also a true statement that Jesus became poor monetarily for us so that we could become wealthy in finances. That’s what this verse is saying.

The Greek word that was used in the first part of this verse to describe Jesus as being rich is “PLOUSIOS,” and it means “wealthy; figuratively, abounding with” (Strong’s Concordance). This is the same word that was translated “rich” in Mark 12:41, which says, “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much” (emphasis mine).

The Greek word that was translated “rich” in the last part of this verse, describing us, is “PLOUTEO,” and it means “to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)” (Strong’s Concordance). This is the same word that was translated “rich” in 1 Timothy 6:9, which says, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (emphasis mine).

So, both Greek words used for “rich” in this verse are speaking of material wealth. This is further proof that this verse is teaching that our Lord Jesus provided prosperity for us in His atonement (see note 7 at Acts 2:21). Jesus wills for us, His children, to have our needs met abundantly (3 John 2).

This is not to say that all those who are wealthy are so because Christ provided it for them, and that all those who are poor are that way because of some sin in their lives. That is certainly not the case. Sinners can be wealthy and saints can be poor. Riches do not mean people are spiritual, and poverty does not mean people are unspiritual. However, the Lord has made provision for His saints to have their needs met in abundance (Philippians 4:19).

The Scriptures warn us against the pitfalls of riches (1 Timothy 6:9 and Proverbs 13:11), yet it is the love of money that is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), not money itself. Before we can be the blessing to others that God intended us to be, we have to be blessed ourselves (Genesis 12:2). Prosperity is not just for ourselves (James 4:3); it’s so that we “may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). God gives seed to the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10); i.e., He provides riches to those of us who will let them flow to others and not hoard them for ourselves.
 

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). Just suppose that people hated evil to the point that they no longer used anything evil to entertain themselves.

That would rule out most movies, music, and amusements.

It would render entertainment centers and home theaters needless because there isn’t much to watch that’s godly.

These adjustments alone would make many people wealthy.

They would have much more honor from family and friends just by virtue of the fact that they would be a better family member and friend without those distractions.

No doubt, they would all be healthier and have better quality of life if they weren’t parked in front of a television.

These are just a few practical applications of this verse.
 

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.Be not deceived - That is, in regard to your character, and your hopes for eternity. This is a formula of introduction to some admonition that is especially weighty and important. It implies that there was danger that they would be deceived in reference to their character. The sources of the danger were the corruption of their own hearts, the difficulty of knowing their true character, the instructions of false teachers, etc.; 1 Corinthians 6:9.

God is not mocked - He cannot be imposed on, or mocked. He knows what our real character is, and he will judge us accordingly. The word rendered "mocked" (μυκτηρίζω muktērizō), means, properly, to turn up the nose in scorn; hence, to mock, or deride, or insult. The sense is, that God could not be imposed on, or could not be insulted with impunity, or successfully. To mock is, properly:

(1) To imitate, to mimic: to imitate in contempt or derision.
(2) to deride, to laugh at, to ridicule.
(3) to defeat, or to illude, or to disappoint.
(4) to fool, to tantalize - Webster.

Here it cannot mean to imitate, or to mimic, but it refers to the principles of the divine administration, and must mean that they could not be treated with contempt, or successfully evaded. They could not hope to illude or impose on God. His principles of government were settled, and they could not impose on him. To what the reference is here, is not perfectly plain. In the connection in which it stands, it seems to refer to the support of the ministers of the gospel; and Paul introduces the general principle, that as a man sows he will reap, to show them what will be the effect of a liberal and proper use of their property.

If they made a proper use of it; if they employed it for benevolent purposes; if they appropriated what they should to the support of religion, they would reap accordingly. God could not be imposed on in regard to this. They could not make him think that they had true religion when they were sowing to the flesh, and when they were spending their money in purchasing pleasure, and in luxury and vanity.

No zeal, however ardent; no prayers, however fervent or long, no professions, however loud, would impose on God. And to make such prayers, and to manifest such zeal and such strong professions, while the heart was with the world, and they were spending their money for every thing else but religion, was mocking God. Alas, how much mockery of God like this still prevails! How much, when people seem disposed to make God believe that they are exceedingly zealous and devoted, while their heart is truly with the world!

How many long prayers are offered; how much zeal is shown; how many warm professions are made, as if to make God and man believe that the heart was truly engaged in the cause of religion, while little or nothing is given in the cause of benevolence; while the ministers of religion are suffered to starve; and while the "loud professor" rolls in wealth, and is distinguished for luxury of living, for gaiety of apparel, for splendor of equipage, and for extravagance in parties of pleasure! Such professors attempt to mock God. They are really sowing to the flesh; and of the flesh they must reap corruption.

For whatsoever a man soweth ... - See the note at 2 Corinthians 9:6. This figure is taken from agriculture. A man who sows wheat, shall reap wheat; he who sows barley, shall reap barley; he who sows cockle, shall reap cockle. Every kind of grain will produce grain like itself. So it is in regard to our works. He who is liberal, shall be dealt with liberally; he who is righteous, shall be rewarded; he who is a sinner, shall reap according to his deeds.
 

Carnal-mindedness doesn’t just tend toward death—it equals death. And spiritual-mindedness doesn’t just tend toward life—it equals life. I don’t have to be with a person to see what they have been thinking. All I have to do is see the dominant fruit of that person’s life, and I can tell. It’s like looking at a person’s garden; what grows there is what was planted there.

Death here is much more than just physical death, where our souls and spirits depart from our bodies (James 2:26). Sickness, depression, anger, poverty, and anything else that is a result of sin are forms of death (Romans 6:23).

Note 13
The same Greek word, SARX, that was translated “flesh” in Romans 8:1, 3-5, and 8 was translated “carnally” in this verse and “carnal” in Romans 8:7. So, these terms can be used interchangeably.

Note 14
The death that is spoken of here is not just physical death, although that is included. It refers to all the effects, or wages, of sin (see note 3 at Romans 6:23). The Amplified Bible translated this as “[death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter].” Sickness, depression, loneliness, hatred, poverty, fear, and everything else that came as a result of sin would be included in this term “death.”

Note 15
This is a powerful statement. Being carnally minded doesn’t just tend toward death; it is death. Likewise, being spiritually minded doesn’t just tend toward life; it is life and peace. Those who say they are spiritually minded yet are experiencing death (see note 14 at this verse) are deceived. If they would just dominate themselves with the spiritual truths of God’s Word, they would receive only life and peace.
 

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord

That is, grace and peace abound to us, or may be expected to be conferred on us abundantly, if we have a true knowledge of God and of the Saviour.

Such a knowledge constitutes true religion: for in that we find "grace" - the grace that pardons and sanctifies; and "peace" - peace of conscience, reconciliation with God, and calmness in the trials of life. John 17:3.
 

The meek don’t inherit the earth in this physical life, but in the life and world to come, this will become true.

God has an eternal viewpoint, and so should we.

By comparing Psalm 37:9 and this verse, we can see that meekness is waiting on the Lord Psalm 37:9 Psalm 37:4.
 

God is more than enough.

He never gives just enough.

He causes our cup to run over in abundance (Mark 6:43-44, 8:8-9).
 

This is speaking of God giving us supernatural increase. But what if we don’t have any barns for the Lord to fill or presses for the wine to overflow?

We have to prepare for God’s blessing by faith.

Many people have missed God’s provision because they weren’t prepared (2 Kings 4:6).

They only had a little cup for the Lord to fill when He was wanting to fill their barns. See my note at Luke 5:4.
 

There is a godly way to get rich that doesn’t bring sorrow, and it’s preferred over all other methods.

It’s through the blessing of the Lord that riches come.

There is a big difference between the blessing of the Lord and a miracle from the Lord.

Many Christians are not cooperating with the blessings of the Lord and are praying for a miracle.

Unlike a blessing, a miracle is never as abundant, and it certainly isn’t permanent.

The blessing of the Lord will prevent a crisis, whereas a miracle will only happen if there is a crisis.

Blessings are God’s best.
 

This definition is saying that those with enough are wealthy.

Notice we are to give God the first fruits, not the last fruits.

We are supposed to tithe and give off the top, not the bottom.

We are to seek first the kingdom of God in our giving (Matthew 6:33), and then God will add the other things we need.
 

This is speaking of God giving us supernatural increase.

But what if we don’t have any barns for the Lord to fill or presses for the wine to overflow?

We have to prepare for God’s blessing by faith. Many people have missed God’s provision because they weren’t prepared (2 Kings 4:6).

They only had a little cup for the Lord to fill when He was wanting to fill their barns.

Luke 5:4.
 

Therefore, he was saying that life is all about just enjoying what you have while you have it.

But our new life in Christ is so much more than this.

We should enjoy the physical things that the Lord blesses us with, but we New Testament believers know a joy, even in the midst of suffering, that makes this life a blessing and makes our hope for the future even better.
 

But what wealth the sinner has will be given to the just.

Ecclesiastes 2:26 says, “For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God.

This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Proverbs 28:8 says, “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.”
 

The Lord wanted to bless Solomon according to the promise He made to David (2 Samuel 7:11-16), but Solomon could stop the Lord from releasing His blessings if he forsook God’s commands.

The blessing that God gave David about always having a son of his sit on his throne was conditional.

This certainly isn’t contradicting what has already been said.

This is speaking about our own understanding, or just human understanding.

The original sin of Adam and Eve was exalting their own reasoning above that of God (Genesis 3:1-6).

There is a supernatural wisdom and understanding that comes from God (see my notes at 1 Corinthians 2:14 and Luke 24:45).

We are supposed to rely on this God-given wisdom and understanding, not our own. God imparts this through His Word.

So acknowledging God is recognizing the fact of God’s existence and yielding to His authority in every area of our lives.

When we acknowledge Him like that, He will direct our paths.

God never intended man to operate on His own. Jeremiah 10:23.