This proverb from chapter 23 isn’t saying that we shouldn’t work hard or that we shouldn’t save for the future. It’s saying we need to keep a balanced outlook.
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone; for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” Proverbs 23:4-5 NIV
The “dying man” perspective helps me keep balance in my life. Have you ever heard of someone on his or her death-bed expressing regret because the days of working and buying things were coming to an end? Normally the regrets you hear about are their wishes they’d held their families and close friends in higher regard – spent more time with their children, told their spouses of their love more often, given more attention to their friends, etc.
“…have the wisdom to show restraint.” Money doesn’t last forever. The people God places in our lives have eternal value.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 
Well said, Marie! I enjoy your writing immensely.
Good words, Kathy! And we did it again! Here are my thoughts on the same scripture (done before I read yours):
“If I were a Rich Man…” Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
“If I were a Rich Man, yuva,duva, duva, duva, duva, duva duva dum”
If I were rich, I’d use my money to bless others. I’d give MORE than a mere tithe to the Lord. I’d pay off my kids’ debts as well as my own, etc, etc, etc. You know me, Lord. So would you please bless me with wealth?
Nope. That’s NOT in His plan for me.
I can rationalize all I want, but it won’t change a thing. The truth is that even though I don’t have a lot of money, I am blessed far beyond many who are called wealthy simply by virtue of their monetary value and their possessions.
I have never gone hungry. I have far more in the way of possessions than a vast majority of the earth’s population. But more than all of that, I am a child of The King! And my Heavenly Father has given me all I need in every way. I do not need more! So what would be the point in wearing myself out to get rich?
I am laying up for myself treasures in Heaven! I have spiritual riches that cannot be measured by earthly standards. I truly AM a rich woman!
by Marie Whittaker