The Busy Hand
For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But You have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us.
PSALM 44:6-7
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The Busy Hand
Under the surface sign of things at hand God shows His works and wants us to use them but not to trust in them. For while it is true that the busy hand produces riches, nevertheless what Solomon also said is true, that only the blessing of the Lord makes wealthy men, namely, through the busy hand (Proverbs 10:22). For if the busy hand were to be hindered by force, the blessing of the Lord would still enrich. So through the sword He alone gives safety. Nevertheless, the safety of a man is empty, and "my sword [he says] will not save" (Psalm 44:6). But God will save through the sword if it is at hand, and without the sword if it is not available. Hence one must use things, but one must not trust in them. Only in God should one trust, whether that which you may use is at hand or lacking.
From Lectures on Deuteronomy (Luther's Works 9:74-75)
June 7
PSALM 44:6-7
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The Busy Hand
Under the surface sign of things at hand God shows His works and wants us to use them but not to trust in them. For while it is true that the busy hand produces riches, nevertheless what Solomon also said is true, that only the blessing of the Lord makes wealthy men, namely, through the busy hand (Proverbs 10:22). For if the busy hand were to be hindered by force, the blessing of the Lord would still enrich. So through the sword He alone gives safety. Nevertheless, the safety of a man is empty, and "my sword [he says] will not save" (Psalm 44:6). But God will save through the sword if it is at hand, and without the sword if it is not available. Hence one must use things, but one must not trust in them. Only in God should one trust, whether that which you may use is at hand or lacking.
From Lectures on Deuteronomy (Luther's Works 9:74-75)
June 7
Posted in Daily Devotions
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