Proverbs 23:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.

NIV: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

NASB: Do not weary yourself to gain wealth; Stop dwelling on it.

CSB: Don't wear yourself out to get rich; because you know better, stop!

NLT: Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.

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

NKJV: Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!

Verses 4 and 5 speak against the habit of "overworking." Other passages in the book of Proverbs warn about laziness (Proverbs 6:10; 10:4; 19:15, 24). Yet there is also danger in pursuing wealth at the expense of one's health, family life, or other needs. Scripture frames this as a matter of discernment: something requiring careful thought and good judgment. A wise, hardworking person recognizes the need for rest. They can tell the difference between a strong work ethic and being what modern English would describe as a "workaholic:" someone addicted to a job or task.

Specifically, Solomon is speaking against the work-without-discernment attitude as it applies to seeking wealth. We should resist the urge to work solely to get rich. We should not sacrifice other needs so we can take on additional money-making opportunities. Of course, circumstances sometimes demand a heavy work schedule. As far as we're able, however, that should be an exception and not a rule.

Human wisdom tends to imply that life's highest priority is accumulating wealth, but the wisdom of God contradicts that conclusion (Proverbs 23:5). Jesus told His disciples: "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you" (John 6:27). He also said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 5:10: "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity." Many materialistic people have discovered the truth of Solomon's statements. They have learned they are never satisfied with their material wealth and always crave more.

Proverbs 23:1–11 continues a set of wise sayings recorded by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). This passage contains many wise sayings framed mainly as negative commands: beginning with the words, "Do not." These statements are longer than the succinct suggestions which make up most of the book of Proverbs. Solomon addresses matters such as cautious skepticism towards one's host, avoiding addiction to work, and integrity before both men and God.

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.