What does Proverbs 23:4 mean?
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be smart enough to know when to stop. Proverbs 23:4 - Modern Text Bible
(Chasing wealth endlessly is pointless; wisdom means knowing when enough is enough.)
Working yourself to exhaustion just to get rich is not real wisdom. The Hebrew word for "wear yourself out" is yaga, which means to toil, labor, or grow weary. This verse pushes back on the belief that nonstop hustle is the path to a good life. Instead, it questions whether chasing money at all costs is actually smart.
In a culture that often glorifies overwork and celebrates those who never take a break, this advice is radical. It suggests that wisdom means knowing when to stop, not just pushing harder. There's a difference between working hard and letting work rule your life.
If you find yourself always tired, always chasing the next paycheck, this verse invites you to pause and ask: is this really the life you want? It encourages you to value your health, your time, and your relationships above the endless pursuit of more. Sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is step back and remember that money isn't everything.
Similar verses: Ecclesiastes 5:10, Matthew 6:19, Proverbs 28:20, Luke 12:15