TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 23:4–5. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
As some are given to appetite (Pro 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 (Pro 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 children and families, according as our rank and condition are, but we must not seek great things. Be not of those that will be rich, that desire it as their chief good and design it as their highest end, Ti1 6:9. Covetous men think it is their wisdom, imagining that if they be rich to such a degree they shall be completely happy. Cease from that wisdom, for it is a mistake; a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses, Luk 12:15.
1.Those that aim at great things fill their hands with business more than they can grasp, so that their life is both a perfect drudgery and a perpetual hurry; but be not thou such a fool; labour not to be rich. What thou hast, or doest, be master of it, and not a slave to it as those that rise up early, sit up late, and eat the bread of carefulness, and all to be rich. Moderate labour, that we may have to give, is our wisdom and duty, Eph 4:28. Immoderate labour, that we may have to hoard, is our sin and folly.
2.They fill their heads with projects more than they understand, so that their life is a constant toss of care and fear; but do not thou thus vex thyself: Cease from thy own wisdom; go on quietly in the way of thy business, not contriving new ways and setting thy wits to work to find out new inventions. Acquiesce in God's wisdom, and cease from thy own, Pro 3:5, Pro 3:6.
II.How he dissuades the covetous man from cheating and deceiving himself by an inordinate love and pursuit of that which is vanity and vexation of spirit; for,
1.It is not substantial and satisfying: "Wilt thou be such a fool as to set thy eyes, to cause thy eyes to fly with eagerness and violence, upon that which is not?" Note,
(1.)The things of this world are things that are not. They have a real existence in nature and are the real gifts of Providence, but in the kingdom of grace they are things that are not; they are not a happiness and portion for a soul, are not what they promise to be nor what we expect them to be; they are a show, a shadow, a sham upon the soul that trusts to them. They are not, for in a little while they will not be, they will not be ours; they perish in the using; the fashion of them passes away.
(2.)It is therefore folly for us to set our eyes upon them, to admire them as the best things, to appropriate them to ourselves as our good things, and to aim at them as our mark at which all our actions are levelled, to fly upon them as the eagle upon her prey. "Wilt thou do a thing so absurd in itself? What thou, a reasonable creature, wilt thou dote upon shadows? The eyes are put for rational and intellectual powers; wilt thou throw those away upon such undeserving objects? To set the hands and feet upon the world is well enough, but not the eyes, the eyes of the mind; those were made to contemplate better things. Wilt thou, my son, that professest religion, put such an affront upon God (towards whom the eyes should ever be) and such an abuse upon thy soul?"
2.It is not durable and abiding. Riches are very uncertain things; certainly they are so: They make themselves wings, and fly away. The more we cause our eyes to fly upon them the more likely they are to fly away from us.
(1.)Riches will leave us. Those that hold them ever so fast cannot hold them long; either they must be taken from us or we must be taken from them. The goods are said to flow away as a stream (Job 20:28), here to flee as a bird.
(2.)Perhaps they may leave us suddenly, when we have taken a great deal of pains for them and begin to take a great deal of pride and pleasure in them. The covetous man sits hatching upon his wealth, and brooding over it, till it is fledged, as the young ones under the hen, and then it is gone. Or, as if a man should be fond of a flight of wild-fowl that light in his field, and call them his own because they are upon his ground, whereas, if he offers to come near them, they take wing immediately and are gone to another man's field.
(3.)The wings they fly away upon are of their own making. They have in themselves the principles of their own corruption, their own moth and rust. They are wasting in their own nature, and like a handful of dust, which, if it be grasped, slips through the fingers. Snow will last awhile, and look pretty, if it be left to lie on the ground where it fell, but, if gathered up and laid in the bosom, it is dissolved and gone immediately.
(4.)They go irresistibly and irrecoverably, as an eagle toward heaven, that flies strongly (there is no stopping her), and flies out of sight and out of call (there is no bringing her back); thus do riches leave men, and leave them in grief and vexation if they set their hearts upon them.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Do not lift your eyes to riches, etc. Do not lift your mind to search the secrets of divinity, which you cannot penetrate. For these are open only to the heavenly citizens.
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Summary
Proverbs 23:5 delivers a profound and urgent warning against the deceptive and transient nature of material wealth. Through striking metaphorical imagery, the proverb illustrates that riches are inherently unstable and unreliable, possessing an elusive quality that allows them to vanish with startling speed and finality, much like a powerful bird taking flight into the heavens. This vivid depiction serves to challenge the reader's misplaced focus and to reorient their understanding of true security and lasting value away from earthly possessions.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is an integral part of the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a collection of practical and moral instructions designed to guide individuals toward a life of wisdom and righteousness. Specifically, Proverbs 23:5 follows directly from the preceding admonition in Proverbs 23:4, which cautions, "Labour not to be rich." Together, these two verses form a cohesive and powerful unit, presenting a deliberate and emphatic warning against the obsessive pursuit of wealth and highlighting its inherent impermanence. The immediate literary flow emphasizes a detachment from materialism, setting the stage for the vivid illustration of wealth's elusive nature.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, while wealth could be seen as a sign of divine blessing, the wisdom tradition consistently tempered this view with warnings about its dangers. The society, though agrarian, was increasingly exposed to trade and commerce, which brought opportunities for accumulation but also temptations for greed and reliance on material possessions. The "wise men" who compiled these proverbs understood the human inclination to seek security in earthly goods. Their counsel aimed to counteract prevailing cultural pressures that might lead individuals to prioritize financial gain over spiritual integrity or communal well-being. The imagery of an eagle, a majestic and swift bird common in the ancient Near East, would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with the natural world and its powerful, unpredictable elements.
Key Themes
The most prominent theme in Proverbs 23:5 is the transience of wealth. It vividly communicates that material possessions are fundamentally unstable and fleeting, offering no enduring security. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that contrast earthly treasures with eternal realities, as exemplified by Jesus' instruction to lay up treasures in heaven. Another crucial theme is misplaced focus. The rhetorical question, "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?" directly challenges the reader to scrutinize their priorities, warning against the folly of fixating on something that lacks true substance or permanence. This echoes the broader biblical call to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, shifting one's ultimate devotion from the temporal to the eternal. Implicitly, the proverb promotes a spiritual perspective, exposing the illusion of lasting security in earthly wealth and encouraging a prioritization of that which is truly substantial and enduring.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word primarily denotes the physical "eye," but it extends metaphorically to encompass "sight," "perception," "countenance," and even "knowledge." In the context of "setting one's eyes upon," it signifies an intense, focused gaze, implying deep desire, longing, or covetousness. The proverb questions the wisdom of directing such profound attention and affection toward something so inherently insubstantial.
This term refers to an "edge" or "extremity," most commonly a "wing" of a bird, but also a "flap" of a garment or a "corner" of the earth. Here, it is used literally for the wings of a bird, yet metaphorically applied to riches. The image of riches growing wings vividly personifies wealth as an entity capable of independent and swift movement, emphasizing its capacity for sudden and unannounced departure.
This word specifically identifies "the eagle (or other large bird of prey)." The eagle is universally recognized for its powerful flight, remarkable speed, and ability to soar to immense heights. Its inclusion in this proverb powerfully amplifies the imagery of wealth's rapid, high-flying, and often irrecoverable disappearance, underscoring its elusive, untamable, and ultimately uncontrollable quality.
Verse Breakdown
"Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?"
This opening rhetorical question immediately challenges the reader's priorities, perceptions, and desires. The phrase "that which is not" (Hebrew: 'ayin) literally means "nothing" or "non-existent." When applied to riches, it powerfully conveys their illusory and unsubstantial nature—they promise much but ultimately provide no eternal value and can vanish without warning. The question implies a profound folly in fixating one's attention, hope, and desire on such a transient and ultimately empty object.
"for riches certainly make themselves wings;"
This clause provides the compelling reason for the preceding rhetorical question, explaining the inherent instability and unpredictability of wealth. The Hebrew verb for "make" (H6213, ʻâsâh) here indicates an active, almost spontaneous, process. Riches are personified as possessing an independent will or an innate capacity to generate their own means of departure. The striking imagery of "making themselves wings" vividly portrays wealth as something that is not truly possessed but merely held temporarily, capable of sudden, self-initiated flight.
"they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."
This concluding clause completes the powerful simile, illustrating both the manner and the direction of wealth's disappearance. The verb "fly away" (H5774, ʻûwph) reinforces the notion of swift, unhindered, and often irreversible movement. The comparison of this flight to an "eagle" (H5404, nesher) emphasizes the speed, height, and often irrecoverable nature of its departure. The direction "toward heaven" (H8064, shâmayim) suggests an ascent beyond reach, making the loss complete, final, and often beyond human recovery.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:5 is a masterpiece of literary artistry, employing several devices to convey its profound and memorable message. The verse opens with a compelling Rhetorical Question: "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?" This question is not intended for a direct answer but rather to provoke deep introspection and critical self-examination in the reader, challenging their values and priorities. Following this, the proverb employs vivid Personification, attributing human-like agency to inanimate "riches" by stating they "make themselves wings." This imbues wealth with an active, almost willful quality, highlighting its unpredictable and uncontrollable nature. The core of the verse's powerful imagery lies in its use of Metaphor and Simile. The concept of riches having "wings" is a potent Metaphor for their inherent instability and capacity for sudden disappearance. This metaphor is then extended into a striking Simile: "they fly away as an eagle toward heaven." The comparison to an eagle, renowned for its swift, powerful, and high flight, intensifies the sense of rapid, unrecoverable loss, transforming the abstract concept of financial instability into a tangible and unforgettable image.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 23:5 articulates a foundational biblical truth: the inherent transience of earthly possessions and the profound folly of placing ultimate trust in them. Theologically, it serves as a stern warning against idolatry, specifically the worship of mammon, by exposing wealth's utter inability to provide lasting security, satisfaction, or ultimate meaning. This proverb subtly but powerfully calls for a radical reorientation of the human heart from the temporal to the eternal, from what "is not" to what truly "is"—God Himself. It underscores divine sovereignty over all things, including material wealth, reminding us that riches are not within our ultimate control and can be removed by God's providence or the unpredictable nature of life. The wisdom presented here encourages a posture of contentment, prudent stewardship, and a clear understanding that true flourishing and enduring security are found not in accumulation, but in a right relationship with the Creator and an investment in His eternal kingdom.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 23:5 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to our modern sensibilities, which often equate success, security, and even happiness with financial accumulation. It compels us to honestly examine where our deepest hopes, affections, and energies are truly invested. If our eyes are fixated on wealth, we are, in essence, pursuing "that which is not"—a fleeting illusion that promises much but delivers only transient satisfaction and ultimate disappointment. This proverb calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound contentment, recognizing that true security, lasting joy, and genuine peace are found not in what we possess, but in who possesses us: God alone. It encourages us to hold material things loosely, understanding them as temporary gifts to be stewarded wisely for God's glory and the good of others, rather than to be hoarded, idolized, or relied upon for ultimate security. By internalizing this ancient wisdom, we are freed from the anxieties of gain and loss, enabling us to invest our lives, talents, and resources in pursuits that yield eternal dividends.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Proverbs 23:5 condemn wealth itself, or the pursuit of it?
Proverbs 23:5 does not inherently condemn wealth itself, but rather the obsessive pursuit and misplaced trust in it. The core warning is against "setting thine eyes upon that which is not," which implies a covetous, idolatrous fixation on riches. The Bible consistently acknowledges that wealth can be a blessing and a tool for good, but it equally and consistently warns against the dangers of making it an ultimate goal or source of security. The emphasis is on the heart's posture towards wealth, recognizing its impermanence and the profound folly of building one's life upon such a transient foundation. It's a call to prioritize eternal values over temporal possessions, as seen in other wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes 5:10.
What does "that which is not" mean in relation to riches?
The phrase "that which is not" (Hebrew: 'ayin) signifies something illusory, unsubstantial, or non-existent in terms of true, lasting value and ultimate reality. When applied to riches, it means that while wealth may appear tangible, substantial, and highly desirable in the moment, it lacks ultimate permanence, inherent stability, or the capacity to provide eternal security, true satisfaction, or lasting joy. It can vanish unexpectedly through economic downturns, theft, poor investments, natural disasters, or even the inevitability of death. Therefore, to "set thine eyes upon that which is not" is to pursue an illusion, investing one's life, hope, and deepest affections in something that will ultimately prove empty, fleeting, and unable to deliver on its implied promises, as warned in James 4:14.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 23:5, with its stark warning about the fleeting nature of earthly riches, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound illumination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb masterfully exposes the illusion of lasting security in material wealth, Christ reveals the true, eternal, and imperishable treasure. He is the ultimate "that which is"—the solid, unchanging reality upon whom we can set our eyes without fear of disappointment, loss, or ultimate emptiness. Jesus consistently taught His followers to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal, directly contrasting the transient nature of earthly possessions. He Himself, though rich, for our sake became poor, that through His poverty we might become truly rich (as powerfully described in 2 Corinthians 8:9), offering an imperishable inheritance and an eternal kingdom. The "riches" Christ provides are not subject to the wings of an eagle; they are spiritual blessings, eternal life, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). In Christ, we find the true and unfading wealth that genuinely satisfies the soul and endures for eternity, standing in stark contrast to the transient nature of worldly possessions that "fly away." He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), offering a salvation that is infinitely more valuable and lasting than any earthly fortune.