Proverbs 23:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not exhaust yourself pursuing wealth; stop relying on your own schemes.
The Context of Proverbs 23:4
Counsel against the obsessive pursuit of riches through human effort alone.
What Does Proverbs 23:4 Mean?
The verse does not condemn honest work or reasonable provision, but warns against making wealth-accumulation the consuming goal of life. This kind of striving—driven by your own plans and effort alone—typically exhausts the spirit and narrows the soul.
Ceasing from your own wisdom means recognizing the limits of your understanding about what brings lasting security or happiness. Trust and prudence, not mere labor and cunning, provide true stability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:4
What does Proverbs 23:4 mean?
Do not exhaust yourself pursuing wealth; stop relying on your own schemes.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:4?
Counsel against the obsessive pursuit of riches through human effort alone.