Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Seven things to labour for (continues): [3] To win lost souls (Php. 2:16). Paul laboured tirelessly so others might know salvation. Soul-winning, from our side, requires prayer, patience, sacrifice, and a faithful example. [4] To support the weak (Acts 20:35). The strong are called to help those struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Christlike labour seeks to strengthen others, not merely enrich oneself. [5] Not to burden others (1Thess. 2:9). Paul laboured with his own hands when necessary so that he would not become a financial burden to believers, setting an example of diligence, responsibility, and godly provision. Scripture teaches that a man is to care for his own household, “for if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1Tim. 5:8).6. [6] To enter eternal rest (Heb. 4:1). Believers are exhorted to persevere in faith and obedience so they do not fall through unbelief. This “labour” is spiritual perseverance, not salvation by works. [7] To be accepted by God (2Cor. 5:9). The goal of life should be to please God. Human applause fades, but divine approval is eternal. A wise person asks: “Does this honour God?” rather than merely: “Does this increase wealth?”

‘Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?’ Riches are uncertain and temporary. The expression means wealth is unstable and fleeting, as though it hardly truly exists because it can disappear so quickly. People often build their identity around money, status, possessions, careers, or worldly success. Yet all temporary things eventually fade.

This proverb warns against making temporary things your life objective, do not anchor your identity in wealth, and do not trust what can vanish overnight. The next verse says that riches make themselves wings; they fly away. Money may disappear through economic collapse, sickness, theft, death, bad investments, or changing circumstances.  Only eternal things endure.

Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Two things not to labour for: [1] Not merely to become rich (23:4). If riches are the sole objective, life becomes empty, priorities become distorted, and eternal matters are neglected. God may bless diligence materially, but wealth must remain a servant, never a master. [2] Not merely for temporary food (John 6:27). Jesus taught: “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” Human beings often devote enormous effort to temporary survival while neglecting eternal life. Food sustains the body briefly; spiritual truth sustains eternally.

Seven things to labour for: [1] Eternal food (John 6:27). Believers should pursue: truth, spiritual growth, righteousness, and eternal reward. The soul requires nourishment just as the body does. [2] To help the poor (Eph. 4:28) – generosity without enabling. While the verse encourages giving, wisdom must guide how we give. Scripture also teaches personal responsibility – those who can work should do so. Helping the poor must not become a way of supporting laziness or unwillingness to take responsibility. Work enables believers to provide for their household, assist the needy, and reflect God’s compassion.

To be continued…

Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Three examples of labouring for riches: [1] Lot (Gen. 13:10) chose the fertile plains of Jordan because they appeared prosperous and well-watered. His decisions were guided by outward prosperity rather than spiritual wisdom. Though he gained temporary wealth, he eventually lost his home, his peace, his wife, and much of his family influence. The pursuit of material advantage led him toward Sodom and spiritual compromise. [2] The rich fool (Luke 12:16-20). Jesus described a wealthy man who stored earthly treasure but neglected his soul. The man believed security came from possessions: “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years.” But God called him a fool because death came before he could enjoy his plans. His tragedy was not wealth itself, but living entirely for temporary things while ignoring eternity. [3] Rich men (1Tim. 6:9-10; Jas. 5:1-6). Scripture warns that many who crave riches fall into temptation, become trapped by harmful desires, oppress others, and harden their hearts. James rebukes wealthy oppressors who have gained riches unjustly and neglected mercy and righteousness. Riches can easily produce false security and spiritual pride when not governed by godliness.

To be continued…

Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

This verse does not condemn honest labour, success, or wealth gained through righteousness. Scripture repeatedly praises diligence, wise stewardship, and faithful work. The warning is against making riches the supreme purpose of life.

The phrase “labour not to be rich” means not to make wealth your god, do not exhaust your life chasing material abundance, and do not measure your (or others’) worth by possessions. A person may gain riches yet lose peace, integrity, family, spiritual sensitivity, or eternal reward. The obsession with wealth often produces anxiety, greed, selfishness, and spiritual blindness.

True wisdom teaches to balance work faithfully and provide honestly, but to trust God rather than riches. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” 1 Timothy 6:10.

Biblical labour has dignity and purpose. God ordained work before the Fall, making labour part of man’s calling and stewardship. The issue is not whether one works hard, but why one works.

Labour becomes sinful when riches become the highest goal, greed governs decisions, or earthly success replaces eternal priorities.

To be continued…

Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Five instructions from a father to his son (continues): [4] Labour not to be rich – do not make wealth your chief pursuit (23:4-5). This passage does not condemn honest labour, diligence, or prosperity, for Scripture often praises faithful work. The warning is against making riches the supreme goal of life. Earthly wealth is uncertain and temporary, for riches “certainly make themselves wings; they fly away.” Money can disappear through economic troubles, sickness, theft, death, poor decisions, or changing circumstances. Therefore, eternal things must come first: wisdom, righteousness, godly character, and one’s relationship with God.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

Human wisdom often teaches success at any cost, wealth as identity, and possessions as security. Biblical wisdom teaches dependence upon God rather than trust in material abundance. A person consumed with gaining wealth may gain money while losing peace, integrity, family, health, or spiritual life. Solomon, instructed by David and writing personally to his sons, teaches throughout this chapter that true wisdom values eternal treasure above earthly gain and remains spiritually discerning in every circumstance.

To be continued…