Proverbs 23:4

4 Labour not to be rich : cease from thine own wisdom.

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 put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

4 Labour not to be rich : cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: