Proverbs 23:4
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 5
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּיגַ֥ע
Labour
H3021
תִּיגַ֥ע
Labour
Strong's:
H3021
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil
לְֽהַעֲשִׁ֑יר
not to be rich
H6238
לְֽהַעֲשִׁ֑יר
not to be rich
Strong's:
H6238
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
Cross References
Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.Proverbs 28:20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.Matthew 6:19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.John 6:27Labour 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.Proverbs 15:27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Isaiah 5:21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Historical Context
Solomon's wealth (and later loss of focus) illustrated this principle. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes similarly concluded that laboring for wealth was vanity and vexation of spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between faithful stewardship and striving to be rich?
- What would change if you ceased from your own wisdom and trusted God's provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition against laboring to be rich warns against making wealth life's primary goal. Cease from one's own wisdom means recognizing the futility of self-dependent striving for security. This doesn't condemn honest work but idolatrous pursuit of riches that displaces trust in God's provision.