Proverbs 23:4

4 Labour not to make wealth, From thine own understanding cease, Dost thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it? Then it is not

Proverbs 23:4 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:4

Labour not to be rich
In an immoderate over anxious way and manner, to a weariness, as the word ^F21 signifies, and even as to gape for breath men ought to labour, that they may have wherewith to support themselves and families, and give to others and: if they can, lay up for their children; but then persons should not toil and weary themselves to heap up riches when they know not who shall gather them and much less make use of indirect and illicit methods to obtain them; resolving to be rich at any rate: rather men should labour for durable riches, lay up treasure in heaven, seek those things which are above, and labour to be accepted of God both here and hereafter; which only is in Christ. The Targum is,

``do not draw nigh to a rich man;''

and so the Syriac version; to which agree the Septuagint and Arabic versions; cease from thine own wisdom;
worldly wisdom in getting; riches, as if this was the highest point of wisdom; do not be always laying schemes, forming projects, inventing new things in order to get money; or do not depend upon thine own wisdom and understanding and expect to be rich by means thereof; for bread is not always to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, ( Ecclesiastes 9:11 ) . The Targum is,

``but by thine understanding depart from him;''

the rich man; and to the same purpose the Syriac and Arabic versions.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 (egyt la) "ne fatiges", Mercerus, Junius & Tremellius; "ne hiascas", Schultens.

Proverbs 23:4 In-Context

2 And thou hast put a knife to thy throat, If thou [art] a man of appetite.

3 Have no desire to his dainties, seeing it [is] lying food.

4 Labour not to make wealth, From thine own understanding cease, Dost thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it? Then it is not

5 For wealth maketh to itself wings, As an eagle it flieth to the heavens.

6 Eat not the bread of an evil eye, And have no desire to his dainties,