Proverbs - Don't Work to Be Rich

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.

Our goal in working is never to be rich.  If we are motivated to be rich, we are in direct disobedience of this bit of wisdom from our Maker.  Notice the verse that connects to it tells us to cease from our own wisdom.  When we start getting that glassy-eyed how-can-I-get-rich sort of look, we start coming up with our wisdom that usually is not descending from above.  Sure, everyone would love to be blessed financially but that should not be our goal in what we pursue.  We must labor to be good laborers, not to get rich.  If we set our eyes upon riches, they make themselves wings and fly away.  Have you not seen this?  An extra check comes in and then the car breaks.  Are we ripped off?  Certainly not.  We have been provided for.  Our eyes must look to our Master and desire to be about His business.  If we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, these other things will be added to us.