Proverbs 23:4

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَا تُنهِكْ نَفْسَكَ طَلَبًا لِلثَّرْوَةِ، وَلَا تَتَّكِلْ عَلَى فَهمِكَ.

What Does This Mean?

Proverbs 23:4 advises against striving excessively for wealth, emphasizing instead the importance of not relying solely on one's own wisdom. This verse encourages a balance between work and wisdom, suggesting that overzealous pursuit of riches can be detrimental.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a toy that you really want, but you're so focused on getting it that you forget to play with your other toys and make friends. This verse is like a friendly reminder to enjoy what you have and not get too caught up in just one thing.

Historical Background

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, likely compiled by King Solomon and other wise men. This verse was written to guide people, particularly young men, in making wise choices in life, especially in the context of the ancient Hebrew culture where wisdom was highly valued.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse can be applied to someone who might be working overtime at the expense of family time or personal health. It reminds us to balance our ambitions with other important aspects of life.

Topics

• wisdom
• wealth
• balance
• prosperity
• contentment
• priorities

Related Verses

• Ecclesiastes 5:10
• Luke 12:15
• Matthew 6:25
• 1 Timothy 6:9
• Proverbs 3:5

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to labour not to be rich?

It means not to overwork or obsess over becoming wealthy, as this can lead to neglecting other important aspects of life.

Why should one cease from their own wisdom?

This verse suggests relying on God's wisdom rather than solely on one's own, recognizing that human wisdom has limits and can sometimes lead to harmful choices.

How does this verse relate to modern life?

In today's fast-paced world, it serves as a reminder to balance career ambitions with personal relationships and health, avoiding the pitfalls of greed.

What are some examples of ceasing from one's own wisdom?

Examples include seeking God's guidance before making big decisions, trusting in divine providence rather than purely human effort, and recognizing the limits of one's knowledge.