Proverbs 23:4

“Labour not to be rich, etc.] In an immoderate over anxious way and manner, to a weariness, as the wordf622 signifies, and even as to gape for breath men ought to labour, that they may have wherewith to support themselves and families, and give to others and: if they can, lay up for their children; but then persons should not toil and weary themselves to heap up riches when they know not who shall gather them and much less make use of indirect and illicit methods to obtain them; resolving to be rich at any rate: rather men should labour for durable riches, lay up treasure in heaven, seek those things which are above, and labour to be accepted of God both here and hereafter; which only is in…”

“(Compare Ti1 6:9-10). thine own wisdom--which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.”

“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 “thine own wisdom” and that given from above, though it is of course implied that in ceasing from his own prudence the man is on the way to attain a higher wisdom. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Thine own wisdom - From worldly wisdom, which persuades men to use all possible means to get riches. Proverbs 23:5”

“23:4-5 Saying 7: Riches can be God’s blessing (3:9-10, 15-16; 10:22), but there are other things in life that are more important.”

“Labour: Pro 28:20; Joh 6:27; Ti1 6:8-10 cease: Pro 3:5, Pro 26:12; Isa 5:21; Rom 11:25, Rom 12:16 Proverbs 23:5”

“All the forms of proverbs run through these appended proverbs. There now follows a pentastich: 4 Do not trouble thyself to become rich; Cease from such thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou let thine eyes fly after it, and it is gone? For it maketh itself, assuredly it maketh itself wings, Like an eagle which fleeth toward the heavens. The middle state, according to Pro 30:8, is the best: he who troubleth himself (cf. Pro 28:20, hasteth) to become rich, placeth before himself a false, deceitful aim. יגע is essentially one with (Arab.) waji'a, to experience sorrow, dolere, and then signifies, like πονεῖν and κάμνειν, to become or to be wearied, to weary or trouble oneself, to toil and moil…”