TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Proverbs 23 verses 4–5
As some are given to appetite (Pro 23:2) so others to covetousness, and those Solomon here takes to task. Men cheat themselves as much by setting their hearts on money (though it seems most substantial) as by setting them on dainties. Observe,
I. How he dissuades the covetous man from toiling and tormenting himself (Pro 23:4). "Do not aim to be rich, to raise an estate, and to make what thou hast in abundance more than it is." We must endeavor to live comfortably, and provide for our children and families, according as our rank and condition are, but we must not seek great things. Be not of those that will be rich, that desire it as their chief good and design it as their highest end, Ti1 6:9. Covetous men think it is their wisdom, imagining that if they be rich to such a degree they shall be completely happy. Cease from that wisdom, for it is a mistake; a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses, Luk 12:15. 1. Those that aim at great things fill their hands with business more than they can grasp, so that their life is both a perfect drudgery and a perpetual hurry; but be not thou such a fool; labour not to be rich. What thou hast, or doest, be master of it, and not a slave to it as those that rise up early, sit up late, and eat the bread of carefulness, and all to be rich. Moderate labour, that we may have to give, is our wisdom and duty, Eph 4:28. Immoderate labour, that we may have to hoard, is our sin and folly. 2. They fill their heads with projects more than they understand, so that their life is a constant toss of care and fear; but do not thou thus vex thyself: Cease from thy own wisdom; go on quietly in the way of thy business, not contriving new ways and setting thy wits to work to find out new inventions. Acquiesce in God's wisdom, and cease from thy own, Pro 3:5, Pro 3:6.
II. How he dissuades the covetous man from cheating and deceiving himself by an inordinate love and pursuit of that which is vanity and vexation of spirit; for,
1.It is not substantial and satisfying: "Wilt thou be such a fool as to set thy eyes, to cause thy eyes to fly with eagerness and violence, upon that which is not?" Note, (1.) The things of this world are things that are not. They have a real existence in nature and are the real gifts of Providence, but in the kingdom of grace they are things that are not; they are not a happiness and portion for a soul, are not what they promise to be nor what we expect them to be; they are a show, a shadow, a sham upon the soul that trusts to them. They are not, for in a little while they will not be, they will not be ours; they perish in the using; the fashion of them passes away. (2.) It is therefore folly for us to set our eyes upon them, to admire them as the best things, to appropriate them to ourselves as our good things, and to aim at them as our mark at which all our actions are levelled, to fly upon them as the eagle upon her prey. "Wilt thou do a thing so absurd in itself? What thou, a reasonable creature, wilt thou dote upon shadows? The eyes are put for rational and intellectual powers; wilt thou throw those away upon such undeserving objects? To set the hands and feet upon the world is well enough, but not the eyes, the eyes of the mind; those were made to contemplate better things. Wilt thou, my son, that professest religion, put such an affront upon God (towards whom the eyes should ever be) and such an abuse upon thy soul?"
2.It is not durable and abiding. Riches are very uncertain things; certainly they are so: They make themselves wings, and fly away. The more we cause our eyes to fly upon them the more likely they are to fly away from us. (1.) Riches will leave us. Those that hold them ever so fast cannot hold them long; either they must be taken from us or we must be taken from them. The goods are said to flow away as a stream (Job 20:28), here to flee as a bird. (2.) Perhaps they may leave us suddenly, when we have taken a great deal of pains for them and begin to take a great deal of pride and pleasure in them. The covetous man sits hatching upon his wealth, and brooding over it, till it is fledged, as the young ones under the hen, and then it is gone. Or, as if a man should be fond of a flight of wild-fowl that light in his field, and call them his own because they are upon his ground, whereas, if he offers to come near them, they take wing immediately and are gone to another man's field. (3.) The wings they fly away upon are of their own making. They have in themselves the principles of their own corruption, their own moth and rust. They are wasting in their own nature, and like a handful of dust, which, if it be grasped, slips through the fingers. Snow will last awhile, and look pretty, if it be left to lie on the ground where it fell, but, if gathered up and laid in the bosom, it is dissolved and gone immediately. (4.) They go irresistibly and irrecoverably, as an eagle toward heaven, that flies strongly (there is no stopping her), and flies out of sight and out of call (there is no bringing her back); thus do riches leave men, and leave them in grief and vexation if they set their hearts upon them.
But set bounds for your wisdom. Namely that which is said above: Do not transgress ancient boundaries, which your fathers have set; that is, the boundaries of faith given by the fathers.
Do not labor to be rich. He signifies the riches of knowledge, which we are forbidden to seek beyond the measure of our capacity.
Continue studying Proverbs 23:4 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:4 delivers a profound dual admonition, urging the reader to resist the obsessive, exhausting pursuit of material wealth and, concurrently, to abandon self-reliance in favor of divine wisdom. This verse challenges the pervasive human tendency to expend all energy and ingenuity on accumulating riches, asserting that such a pursuit, when driven by personal shrewdness rather than God's guidance, is ultimately futile, fleeting, and spiritually perilous. It serves as a foundational principle for righteous living, advocating for a life oriented by God's providence and understanding, rather than by worldly ambition or independent schemes.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Proverbs 23:4 is nestled within a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), often identified as "Sayings of the Wise." This section, introduced by a distinct formula, provides practical and ethical counsel for navigating various aspects of life. The preceding verses (Proverbs 23:1-3) caution against gluttony and deception when dining with rulers, establishing a theme of prudence and self-control in social and material engagements. Immediately following Proverbs 23:4, the text continues to warn about the transient nature of wealth (Proverbs 23:5) and the dangers of associating with the envious or those given to excessive wine consumption (Proverbs 23:6-8 and Proverbs 23:20-21). Thus, Proverbs 23:4 fits seamlessly into a broader discourse on ethical conduct, financial integrity, and the pitfalls of worldly desires, emphasizing the importance of internal disposition and divine reliance over external acquisition.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, wealth was often perceived as a tangible sign of divine blessing and a marker of social standing. Agricultural prosperity, successful trade, and inherited land were primary sources of riches. However, the wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs, frequently offered a counter-narrative to the unbridled pursuit of material gain. It recognized the inherent potential for wealth to corrupt, to become an idol, and to distract from the pursuit of righteousness and justice. The cultural milieu would have understood "labour" (yâgaʻ) as intense physical or mental exertion, often to the point of exhaustion. "Wisdom" (bîynâh) was highly valued as practical discernment and understanding, crucial for navigating life successfully. The admonition to "cease from thine own wisdom" would have deeply resonated in a culture that valued personal shrewdness and cunning, serving as a powerful reminder that human ingenuity, apart from divine guidance, is insufficient, prone to error, and potentially destructive.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the vanity and futility of worldly pursuits, particularly the obsessive quest for wealth, a theme powerfully echoed in other wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes, which frequently laments the futility of human toil "under the sun." Secondly, it highlights the paramount importance of divine wisdom over human understanding. The book of Proverbs consistently champions the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge and true wisdom, contrasting it with the folly of relying solely on one's own intellect or schemes, as seen in the foundational exhortation to trust in the Lord with all your heart. The warning against "labouring to be rich" also touches upon the theme of contentment and proper stewardship, suggesting that a life consumed by accumulation neglects true spiritual riches and often leads to moral compromise, a danger frequently addressed in passages that condemn greed and dishonest gain, such as Proverbs 28:20. Finally, it implicitly addresses the transience of earthly possessions, a concept explicitly stated elsewhere, such as in Proverbs 27:24, reinforcing the idea that true security and lasting value lie not in material abundance but in a right relationship with God.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:4 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. It is primarily an Admonition, a direct and authoritative warning or counsel, characteristic of the didactic nature of wisdom literature. The verse exhibits a form of Synthetic Parallelism, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first, rather than merely repeating or directly contrasting it. While not strictly antithetical, the two clauses present complementary aspects of a single truth: the futility and danger of self-driven, material ambition. The first part warns against the action (obsessive labour for riches), and the second part points to the source or motivation of this misguided action (reliance on one's own wisdom). The use of strong imperative verbs ("Labour not," "cease") contributes to the didactic and authoritative tone, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the counsel. The phrase "thine own wisdom" functions as a subtle form of synecdoche, where "wisdom" stands for the entire human capacity for planning and strategizing, implying that even our best human efforts are insufficient without divine input.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:4 profoundly articulates a core biblical principle: the inherent danger of idolatry, specifically the worship of mammon, and the absolute necessity of humble reliance on God's wisdom and provision. It reveals that the heart's true allegiance is tested by its orientation towards material gain and self-sufficiency. The verse teaches that true security, lasting fulfillment, and genuine prosperity are not found in accumulated wealth or personal cleverness, but in a humble, trusting dependence on the Lord. This theological stance directly challenges the common human inclination to control one's destiny through strenuous effort and intellectual prowess, redirecting the focus to God as the ultimate source of all good, including true prosperity and understanding. It implicitly critiques the notion that success is solely a product of human effort, instead positing that God's blessing and guidance are paramount for a life of true wisdom and contentment.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:4 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary life, offering a timeless challenge to our often materialistically driven culture. It calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to examine the motivations behind our labor and financial pursuits. Are we toiling to the point of exhaustion, sacrificing relationships, health, and spiritual well-being, all in the relentless pursuit of more? This verse is not a condemnation of hard work or responsible financial planning, but a sober warning against the spiritual peril of allowing wealth to become an idol that consumes our lives and dictates our decisions. Furthermore, the admonition to "cease from thine own wisdom" compels us to humble ourselves, acknowledging the limitations and potential dangers of our own understanding and schemes. In a world that often champions self-made success, shrewdness, and independent thought, this proverb reminds us that true wisdom, lasting guidance, and genuine security come from God alone. It invites us to surrender our anxieties about provision and status, resting in His providence and seeking His counsel in every endeavor, trusting that His ways are higher and ultimately more beneficial than our own.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "Labour not to be rich" mean Christians shouldn't work hard or seek financial stability?
Answer: No, the verse does not condemn hard work, diligence, or responsible financial stewardship. The Hebrew word yâgaʻ (H3021), translated "labour," implies an intense, exhausting, and often obsessive toil. The warning is specifically against making the accumulation of wealth the ultimate, all-consuming goal of one's life, to the point of spiritual or physical exhaustion, or at the expense of moral integrity and spiritual priorities. The Bible consistently commends diligence (e.g., Proverbs 6:6-11) and wise financial management (e.g., Proverbs 21:20). The emphasis here is on the motivation and intensity of the pursuit, cautioning against avarice and the idolatry of wealth, which can lead to neglecting God and others.
What does it mean to "cease from thine own wisdom" in the context of pursuing wealth?
Answer: To "cease from thine own wisdom" means to stop relying solely on your own human intellect, shrewdness, cleverness, or worldly strategies when it comes to financial endeavors and life in general. It's a powerful admonition against self-sufficiency and trusting exclusively in one's own ability to scheme, manipulate, or outsmart others to gain riches. Instead, it calls for a humble submission to God's wisdom, which is often counter-intuitive to worldly thinking. This aligns with the broader biblical principle found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding. It implies seeking God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, rather than pursuing wealth through means that compromise one's faith or ethics.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:4, with its dual admonition against the obsessive pursuit of wealth and reliance on human wisdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profoundest meaning in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament wisdom literature consistently points to a wisdom that is divine, not human, and a life of true prosperity that transcends mere material riches. Jesus perfectly embodies this divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30) and perfectly exemplifies a life unburdened by the pursuit of worldly wealth. He taught His disciples not to "lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" but to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20), directly challenging the very inclination Proverbs 23:4 warns against. Christ's life was one of humble dependence on the Father, demonstrating that true security and provision come from God alone, not from human striving or cleverness (cf. His teaching on not worrying about life). He Himself "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9), revealing that true spiritual wealth is found in self-giving love, obedience to God, and a right relationship with Him, not in material accumulation. Thus, Proverbs 23:4 foreshadows the perfect wisdom and contentment found in Christ, who frees us from the tyranny of mammon and invites us into a life of trusting dependence on God's unfailing provision and perfect guidance.