Having too much or too little can both pull you away from what’s important. The writer fears that if he’s rich, he might forget about God entirely, and if he’s poor, he might be tempted to steal and dishonor what’s right. The Hebrew word for "deny" is kachash, meaning to disown or ignore. This verse is brutally honest about human nature: comfort can breed arrogance, and desperation can breed dishonesty. It pushes back against the idea that more is always better, or that poverty is somehow virtuous. Instead, it’s about staying grounded and honest. If you’ve ever felt like your circumstances were shaping your character in ways you didn’t like—making you selfish, anxious, or desperate—this verse names that struggle. It’s a reminder that a balanced life isn’t just about money, but about staying true to what matters, even when life pulls you in different directions. That’s wisdom anyone can use.