Proverbs 23:4 - Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.

Generated Verse: Proverbs 23:4

What does "Proverbs 23:4" mean?


Proverbs 23:4, "Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint," is a warning against the pursuit of wealth as a primary goal in life. Let's break it down:

"Don't weary yourself to be rich." This part advises against overworking, stressing, and sacrificing your well-being in a relentless pursuit of wealth. It cautions against making riches the sole focus of your life, potentially leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and neglecting other important aspects like relationships, health, and spiritual growth. It highlights that the single-minded pursuit of riches can be detrimental to one's overall well-being.

"In your wisdom, show restraint." This suggests that true wisdom involves recognizing the potential dangers of wealth and practicing self-control in your desire for it. It implies that a wise person understands that there are more valuable things in life than money and that excessive pursuit of wealth can be detrimental. It calls for a balanced approach, exercising discernment and moderation in financial matters. It also encourages the cultivation of contentment and the avoidance of greed.
In essence, the verse encourages a balanced perspective on wealth. It's not saying that wealth is inherently evil, but rather that the obsessive pursuit of it can be harmful. True wisdom lies in recognizing this and practicing restraint, focusing on a more holistic and fulfilling life beyond material possessions.