Proverbs 13:23

Much food is in the tillage of the poor; poor and mean persons, by their diligent labours in tillage or other employments, and God's blessing upon them, ofttimes grow rich. Destroyed; or, consumed, to wit, in his estate, brought to poverty. For want of judgment; either,

1. For want of discretion and convenient care and diligence in tilling his land, and in managing his affairs, which he neglects himself, and leaves to the care of others; whereas poor men are forced by their necessities to look to their own concerns, and to use their utmost diligence in them. Or rather,

2. By injustice, as this phrase is used, Proverbs 16:8 Jeremiah 17:11, Jeremiah 22:13 Ezekiel 22:29. Nor do I find it in any other scripture. By his frauds, rapines, and oppressions, and other unjust and wicked practices, whereby he seeks to enrich himself, as refusing and scorning to get an estate by honest labours. So this agrees with what is said Proverbs 13:11.