Proverbs 23:4
Fatigue thyself not to become rich; because thou hast understanding, forbear.
Leeser Tanakh
In The King James Version
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
In Context
3Do not long for his savory meats; they are deceitful food.
Cross References
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the Lord with all thy heart: and upon thy own understanding do not rely.
Proverbs 15:27He that is greedy after gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts will live.
Proverbs 27:24For property endureth not for ever, nor doth the crown remain for all generations.
Ecclesiastes 5:13(5:12) There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, [namely,] riches reserved for their owner to his own hurt.
Jeremiah 9:22(9:21) Speak, Thus saith the Lord, Yea, the carcasses of men shall lie as dung upon the open field, and as the sheaves [left] after the harvestman, with none to gather them.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 23:2-4
Cautions against Luxury and Covetousness. 1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: 2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. 3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. The sin we are here warned against is luxury and sensuality, and the indulgence of the appetite in eating and drinking, a sin that most easily besets us. 1. We are here told when we enter into temptation, and are in most danger of falling into this sin: " When… Read the whole commentary →