Proverbs 23:5 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:4-5

As some are given to appetite (Prov. 23:2) so others to covetousness, and those Solomon here takes to task. Men cheat themselves as much by setting their hearts on money (though it seems most substantial) as by setting them on dainties. Observe, I. How he dissuades the covetous man from toiling and tormenting himself (Prov. 23:4). ?Do not aim to be rich, to raise an estate, and to make what thou hast in abundance more than it is.? We must endeavor to live comfortably, and provide for our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:5

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not ?.... The Vulgate Latin version is, "do not lift up thine eyes to riches which thou canst not have;' riches no doubt are intended, and which may be said to be "not"; they are not the true riches, have only the shadow and appearance of riches; they are not lasting and durable; in a little time they will not be; they are perishing things, they have no substance or solidity in them; they are not satisfying; they do not make them happy; they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-8

Hints and warnings on conduct I. PERILS OF COURTLY LIFE . ( Proverbs 23:1-3 .) The Arab proverb says, "He who sups with the sultan burns his lips," and, "With kings one sits at the table for honour's sake, not for that of appetite." Horace says that kings are said to press dainties and wine upon those whom they desire to scrutinize and test, as to whether they be worthy of friendship. The caution is therefore one dictated by prudence. And in general it may be thus understood:... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:4-5

These form a pentastich. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:4-5

The worthelessness of wealth Wealth is not, indeed, absolutely worthless; it has a distinct value of its own; but relatively to man's deeper necessities, and to his other, spiritual resources, it is to be held in slight esteem. I. THE UNSUBSTANTIAL AS DISTINGUISHED FROM THE REAL . "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?" Money regarded as that which purchases food, clothing. shelter, books, etc; has a certain value not easily overstated. But mere wealth, as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:5

Wilt thou sat thine eyes upon that which is not? more literally, wilt thou let thine eyes fly upon it, and it is gone ? Why cast longing looks towards this wealth, and so prepare for yourself loss and disappointment? The pursuit is vain, and the result is never secure; what you gained by long toil and prudent care may be lost in an hour. Do you wish to incur this danger? Wordsworth quotes Persius, 'Sat.,' 3.61— " An passim sequeris corvos testaque lutoque? " For riches certainly... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 23:4-5

Proverbs 23:4-5. Labour not Hebrew, אל תיגע , Do not weary thyself, namely, with immoderate cares and labours, as many covetous men do; to be rich To raise an estate, and make thy property abundantly more than it is. Solomon does not forbid all labour, nor a provident care, which he commends in other places; but only represents how vain and foolish it is to be over solicitous, and to carry our cares and labours to such excess as to injure, if not our health of body, yet our peace and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-35

Social-climbers and others (23:1-35)Those who seek status like to mix with the upper classes and try to copy their habits. But because of their ignorance of how to eat fine foods, they make fools of themselves and so spoil their chances of progressing up the social ladder. The food they desire becomes the means of their downfall (23:1-3). The desire for wealth can lead to disappointment (4-5), and the efforts to win the favour of others may win only their disfavour. This may particularly be the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:5

For. This is the reason why "it is gone". read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 23:5

5. Wilt . . . eyes—As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:4-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:4-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:4-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 23:4-5

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-35

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:5

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 23:5

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