Proverbs 23:4
Proverbs 23:4 in Multiple Translations
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom.
Take no care to get wealth; let there be an end to your desire for money.
Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich—be wise enough not to bother!
Trauaile not too much to be rich: but cease from thy wisdome.
Labour not to make wealth, From thine own understanding cease, Dost thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it? Then it is not.
Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.
Labor not to be rich: cease from thy own wisdom.
Labour not to be rich: but set bounds to thy prudence.
Do not cause yourself to become very tired by working very hard to become rich; be wise and stop doing that,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּיגַ֥ע
לְֽ/הַעֲשִׁ֑יר
מִֽ/בִּינָתְ/ךָ֥
חֲדָֽל
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּיגַ֥ע
yâgaʻ
H3021
be weary/toil
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
לְֽ/הַעֲשִׁ֑יר
ʻâshar
H6238
to enrich
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
מִֽ/בִּינָתְ/ךָ֥
bîynâh
H998
understanding
Prep | N-fs | Suff
חֲדָֽל
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:4
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּיגַ֥ע
yâgaʻ
H3021
"be weary/toil"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to be weary or toil, like in Exodus where the Israelites were exhausted from their labor, and is often translated as faint or labor in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to toil, labour, grow weary, be weary 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to toil, labour 1a2) to grow weary, be weary 1b) (Piel) to weary, make weary, cause to go toilsomely 1c) (Hiphil) to make to toil, make weary, cause to be weary
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: faint, (make to) labour, (be) weary. See also: Joshua 7:3; Isaiah 43:23; Psalms 6:7.
לְֽ/הַעֲשִׁ֑יר
ʻâshar
H6238
"to enrich"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to become or make rich, often describing financial prosperity or wealth, as seen in the story of Solomon's riches in 1 Kings 10. It is translated as 'to be rich' or 'enrich' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to be or become rich or wealthy, enrich, pretend to be rich 1a) (Qal) to be or become rich 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make rich 1b2) to gain riches 1c) (Hithpael) to enrich oneself, pretend to be rich
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See H6240 (עָשָׂר). See also: Genesis 14:23; Proverbs 13:7; Psalms 49:17.
מִֽ/בִּינָתְ/ךָ֥
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
חֲדָֽל
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:4
Context — Saying 8
2and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.
3Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
4Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.
5When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. 6Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 13:5 | 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.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:20 | A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. |
| 3 | Matthew 6:19 | Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 6:8–10 | But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 3:5 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; |
| 6 | John 6:27 | Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” |
| 7 | Romans 12:16 | Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. |
| 8 | Proverbs 15:27 | He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:21 | Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. |
| 10 | Proverbs 26:12 | Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
Proverbs 23:4 Summary
[This verse is warning us not to exhaust ourselves trying to get rich, because it's not worth it. When we prioritize wealth above all else, we can lose sight of what's truly important, like our relationship with God and our loved ones, as seen in Proverbs 15:16 and 1 Timothy 6:6. Instead, we should trust in God's provision and be content with what we have, as taught in Philippians 4:11-13. By doing so, we can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'wear yourself out to get rich' in Proverbs 23:4?
This phrase refers to exhausting oneself in the pursuit of wealth, often at the expense of one's physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being, as warned against in Proverbs 28:20 and Ecclesiastes 5:10-12.
Is it wrong to want to be rich according to the Bible?
The Bible does not condemn wealth itself, but rather the love of money and the prioritization of wealth over one's relationship with God, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 6:24.
How can I 'restrain myself' from the pursuit of wealth as advised in Proverbs 23:4?
To restrain oneself involves setting boundaries and prioritizing what is truly important, such as one's faith and relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:1 and 1 Corinthians 16:2.
What is the alternative to wearing oneself out to get rich?
The alternative is to trust in God's provision and to be content with what one has, as taught in Philippians 4:11-13 and Hebrews 13:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I currently 'wearing myself out' in pursuit of wealth or material possessions?
- What are some things that I can do to 'restrain myself' from the pursuit of wealth and instead focus on what is truly important?
- How can I cultivate a sense of contentment and trust in God's provision in my life?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide my decisions about money and wealth?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:4
Labour not to be rich,.... In an immoderate over anxious way and manner, to a weariness, as the word (u) signifies, and even as to gape for breath men ought to labour, that they may have wherewith to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:4
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Labour not to be rich (John 6:27; Matthew 6:19); cease from thine own wisdom - from that wisdom of thine whereby thou labourest to be rich, as thy first aim.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
Labour not, Heb. Do not weary thyself with immoderate cares and labours, as many covetous men do. From thine own wisdom; from that carnal wisdom which is natural to man in his corrupt estate, which persuades men to believe that it is their interest to use all possible means to get riches, and that the happiness of their lives consists in the abundance of their possessions, directly contrary to the assertion of our blessed Lord, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.Ver. 4. Labour not to be rich.] The courtier is still at his lesson. Many have gotten into princes’ palaces, into places of profit, fat offices, mind nothing more than the feathering of their own nests, raising of their own houses, filling of their own coffers. Such were Shebna, Haman, Sejanus, of whom Tacitus makes this report: Palam compositus pudor, intus summa adipiscendi libido, that he made show of modesty, but was extremely covetous; insomuch, saith Seneca, that he thought all to be lost that he got not for himself. How much better Joseph, Nehemiah, Daniel, &c., who, being wholly for the public, as they had nothing to lose, so they had as little to get, but were above all price or sale. Cease from thine own wisdom.] Cast away that carnal policy that would prompt thee to get rem, rem, quocunque modo rem, wealth of any fashion. This wisdom is by St James fitly styled "earthly, sensual, devilish." "Earthly," managing the lusts of the eye to the ends of gain; "sensual," managing the lusts of the eye to the ends of pleasure; and "devilish," managing the pride of life unto ends of power (James 3:15 1 John 2:14-15 Quicquid non acquiritur damnum est. - Sen.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
(4) Cease from thine own wisdom.—Cleverness shewn in piling up wealth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
Verse 4. Labour not to be rich] Let not this be thy object. Labour to provide things honest in the sight of God and all men; and if thou get wealth, do not forget the poor, else God's curse will be a canker even in thy gold. Cease from thine own wisdom.] בינתך binathecha, thy own understanding or prudence. The world says, "Get rich if thou canst, and how thou canst." Rem, si possis, recte; si non, quocunque modo rem; "Get a fortune honestly if thou canst; but if not, get one at all events." This is the devil's counsel, and well it is followed; but Solomon says, and God says, "Cease from thine own counsel." Thou hast an immortal soul, and shalt shortly appear before God. Lay up treasure for heaven, and be rich towards God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:4
4. Labour not] Rather, Weary not thyself, R.V., as the same Heb. word is rendered “till his hand was weary,” 2 Samuel 23:10; “be weary,” Isaiah 40:30-31. Comp. John 6:27; 1 Timothy 6:9-10. cease from thine own wisdom] from the wisdom, namely, of becoming rich. Prudentiae tuae pone modum, set a limit to thy prudence in acquiring wealth. Vulg. We may, however, render cease of thine own wisdom, “by reason of thine own understanding,” R.V. marg. Let thine own sense teach thee better. τῇδὲσῇἐννοίᾳἀπόσχου, LXX.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:4
Cease from thine own wisdom - i. e., “Cease from the use of what is in itself most excellent, if it only serves to seek after wealth, and so ministers to evil.” There is no special contrast between
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:4
4. Labour not to be rich — Be not over anxious for wealth, nor use improper or dishonourable means to obtain it. Depend less upon thy own sagacity than upon the blessing of God.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
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Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 5 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the loss of absolutes in culture, leading to a search for wonder and the impact of materialism on society. It explores the existential questions arising fro |
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(Youth Bible School 2007) the Thorny Ground Hearer by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the condition of our hearts, using the parable of the sower from Matthew chapter 13 as a reference. He emphasizes the importance of not allow |
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The Training of Children - an Address to Parents by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches about the importance of training children in the way they should go, emphasizing the responsibility of parents to nurture and guide their children for God' |
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Success and Money by Charles Stanley | Charles Stanley preaches about the deception of defining success by material wealth, highlighting the idolatrous attitude many have towards money and the warning against making ric |
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A Shadow, a Ship, a Bubble, a Bird, a Dream, an Arrow by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the fleeting nature of earthly riches and honors, comparing them to shadows, ships, bubbles, birds, dreams, arrows, and runners that swiftly pass away. He |