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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_23_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:4 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/23-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/23-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/23-3.htm" title="Proverbs 23:3">◄</a> Proverbs 23:4 <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm" title="Proverbs 23:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not weary yourself to gain wealth; Stop dwelling <i>on it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration <i>of it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Because of your understanding, cease!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not weary yourself [with the overwhelming desire] to gain wealth; Cease from your own understanding of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; because you know better, stop!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t wear yourself out to get rich; stop giving your attention to it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Give up trying so hard to get rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Weary not thyself to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out getting rich. Be smart enough to stop.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't exhaust yourself acquiring wealth; be smart enough to stop.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to become rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Labor not to be rich: cease from thy own wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not labor to make wealth, "" Cease from your own understanding, "" Do you cause your eyes to fly on it? Then it is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Labour not to make wealth, From thine own understanding cease, Dost thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it? Then it is not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not labor to become rich: cease from thy wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Labour not to be rich: but set bounds to thy prudence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not be willing to labor so that you may be enriched. But set limits by your prudence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to gain wealth, cease to be worried about it; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not quarrel with a rich man; but keep away from him wisely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not come near a rich man, but in wisdom, separate from him;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If thou art poor, measure not thyself with a rich man; but refrain thyself in thy wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4604" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3021.htm" title="3021: tî·ḡa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To toil, grow or be weary. A primitive root; properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil.">wear yourself out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6238.htm" title="6238: lə·ha·‘ă·šîr (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be or become rich. A primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly to grow rich.">to get rich;</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: mib·bî·nā·ṯə·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">be wise enough</a> <a href="/hebrew/2308.htm" title="2308: ḥă·ḏāl (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To cease. A primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. desist; be lacking or idle.">to restrain yourself.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-12</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? / The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a></span><br />No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-3</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a></span><br />I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Psalm 62:10</a></span><br />Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Luke 16:13</a></span><br />No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a></span><br />Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Matthew 19:23-24</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6</a></span><br />Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom.</p><p class="hdg">labour</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Proverbs 28:20</a></b></br> A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a></b></br> Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8-10</a></b></br> And having food and raiment let us be therewith content… </p><p class="hdg">cease</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5</a></b></br> Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a></b></br> Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? <i>there is</i> more hope of a fool than of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a></b></br> Woe unto <i>them that are</i> wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/14-18.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Care</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-26.htm">Consideration</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-3.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-13.htm">Desist</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Fly</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Money</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Show</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/psalms/102-26.htm">Wear</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/10-9.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">Care</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-3.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-11.htm">Consideration</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/daniel/11-8.htm">Desist</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-18.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Fly</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Money</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-28.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-25.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Show</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-1.htm">Wear</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-17.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-15.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not wear yourself out to get rich;</b><br>This phrase warns against the relentless pursuit of wealth, which can lead to physical and spiritual exhaustion. In biblical context, the pursuit of riches is often contrasted with the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-14</a>). The Bible frequently cautions against the love of money, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>, which states that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Historically, wealth in ancient Israel was often associated with God's blessing, but the misuse or overvaluation of wealth was condemned. The cultural context of the time emphasized community and reliance on God rather than individual accumulation of wealth. This phrase encourages believers to prioritize spiritual well-being over material gain.<p><b>be wise enough to restrain yourself.</b><br>Wisdom in the biblical sense is often linked to the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>) and involves making choices that align with God's will. Restraint here implies self-control and the ability to prioritize long-term spiritual goals over short-term material gains. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). The call to restraint is a call to trust in God's provision and timing, rather than relying solely on one's efforts. This wisdom is a type of Christ, who exemplified perfect restraint and reliance on the Father, even when tempted by worldly power and riches (<a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Matthew 4:8-10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His teachings often focus on practical living and moral conduct.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of spiritual and practical life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>- Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes Job, Ecclesiastes, and some Psalms. These books focus on understanding and living according to God's order.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_exhaustive_labor_for_wealth.htm">The Futility of Exhaustive Labor for Wealth</a></b><br>The pursuit of wealth can lead to exhaustion and a misplaced focus in life. Solomon advises against wearing oneself out for riches, suggesting that such efforts can be futile and spiritually detrimental.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_restraint.htm">Wisdom in Restraint</a></b><br>True wisdom involves knowing when to restrain oneself. This restraint is not just about avoiding physical exhaustion but also about maintaining spiritual and emotional health.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_and_trust_in_god.htm">Contentment and Trust in God</a></b><br>The verse encourages believers to find contentment in God's provision rather than in the accumulation of wealth. Trusting in God's plan and provision is a key aspect of living wisely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_materialism.htm">The Dangers of Materialism</a></b><br>Materialism can distract from spiritual growth and lead to a life focused on temporary gains. Christians are called to focus on eternal values and treasures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_work_and_rest.htm">Balancing Work and Rest</a></b><br>While work is important, it should not consume one's life. Balance is necessary to ensure that one's spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being are maintained.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_show_your_knowledge_well.htm">What does the Bible say about work-life balance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_workaholism.htm">What does the Bible say about being a workaholic?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_wealth.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on wealth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_money_the_solution_to_everything.htm">Is money the solution to everything?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Cease from thine own wisdom.--</span>Cleverness shewn in piling up wealth.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4, 5.</span> - These form a pentastich. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Labour not</span> - weary not thyself <span class="cmt_word">- to be rich.</span> <a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a>, "Labour not for the meat that perisheth," where the warning is against that absorbing eagerness for wealth which leads to evil doing and neglect of all higher interests. <span class="cmt_word">Cease from thine own wisdom.</span> The wisdom (<span class="accented">binah</span>, <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5</a>) is that which is necessary for making and keeping wealth. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Prudentiae tuae pone modum.</span> This is not the highest form of wisdom (<span class="accented">chochmah</span>), but rather the faculty of distinguishing one thing from another, mere discernment, which may exist without any religious or keen moral sense (see note on Proverbs 16:16, where possibly the contrast is expressed). Talmud, "He who augments his riches augments his cares." Erasmus, 'Adag,,' quotes or writes - <p><span class="foreign">"Jupiter ementitur opes mortalibus ipse,<br />Sic visum ut fuerit, cuicunque, bonove, malove?</span> Septuagint, "If thou art poor, measure not thyself (<span class="greek">μὴ παρεκτείνου</span>) with a rich man, but in thy wisdom refrain thyself." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wear yourself out</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּיגַ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(tî·ḡa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3021.htm">Strong's 3021: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gasp, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to get rich;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְֽהַעֲשִׁ֑יר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ha·‘ă·šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6238.htm">Strong's 6238: </a> </span><span class="str2">To accumulate, chiefly, to grow, rich</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be wise enough</span><br /><span class="heb">מִֽבִּינָתְךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bî·nā·ṯə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_998.htm">Strong's 998: </a> </span><span class="str2">An understanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to restrain yourself.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲדָֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḏāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2308.htm">Strong's 2308: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:4 Don't weary yourself to be rich (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>