A common misinterpretation of this verse is to universalize it as a blanket denial of human righteousness or good works altogether, ignoring the Bible's broader call to obedience and holiness, or to use it to justify ongoing sinfulness under the guise of grace; others might read it as God arbitrarily rejecting Israel, overlooking the context of His merciful forbearance and the specific historical rebellions like the golden calf incident that prompted this warning against pride.
Deuteronomy 9:6
King James Version (1769)
6 Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.
Deuteronomy 9:6 underscores that Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land stems not from their own merit or righteousness, but from God's sovereign grace and faithfulness to His covenant promises made to the patriarchs, despite the people's inherent stubbornness and rebellion, serving as a humbling reminder to foster gratitude and dependence on God rather than self-congratulation.