Proverbs 23:4 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

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

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it.

Proverbs 23:4

Commentary

It is not worth ruining one's health for riches that have the habit of elusively disappearing.

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Pr 23:4). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Wealth teachings in Proverbs

The book of Proverbs issues a number of stern warnings about wealth. Wealth cannot give you peace (15:16) or wisdom (16:16), but it can create pride (18:11, 23) and trouble (15:6, 27) and friends who will not last (14:20). You should fear God (22:4) and share with others what God gives to you (11:24-25; 19:17). Watch out when somebody promises to make you rich in a hurry because those schemes backfire and leave you poor (20:21; 28:20, 22). The way to gain wealth is through hard work (10:4, 22) and faithfulness to the Lord.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Pr 22:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.