Proverbs 23:5

KJV

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wilt thou set {H5774}{H5774} thine eyes {H5869} upon that which is not? for riches certainly {H6213} make {H6213} themselves wings {H3671}; they fly away {H5774}{H5774} as an eagle {H5404} toward heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you make your eyes rush at it, it's no longer there! For wealth will surely grow wings, like an eagle flying off to the sky.

Berean Standard Bible

When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

American Standard Version

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? Forrichescertainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.

Commentary

### 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](/proverbs/23-5 "Proverbs 23:5 - The Fleeting Nature of Riches") follows directly from the preceding admonition in [Proverbs 23:4](/proverbs/23-4 "Proverbs 23:4 - Do Not Toil for Wealth"), 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](/proverbs/23-5 "The Transience of Wealth") 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](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - 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](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - 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
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, 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.
* **wings (Hebrew, _kânâph'_):** From H3671, 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.
* **eagle (Hebrew, _nesher'_):** From H5404, 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.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"): Jesus teaches His disciples not to store up earthly treasures, which are subject to decay and theft, but to store treasures in heaven where they are secure, because "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil"): This passage warns that those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," which can lead many astray from the faith and pierce them with many sorrows.
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Life Does Not Consist in Possessions"): Jesus cautions, "Take heed and beware of all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions," directly challenging the pervasive notion that security, worth, or fulfillment comes from material wealth.

### 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
* **Where do I primarily "set my eyes" and focus my energy, aspirations, and deepest desires in life?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be placing my hope and security in financial stability or material possessions, rather than in God's provision and faithfulness?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of riches "flying away as an eagle" challenge my long-term financial planning, my definition of true wealth, and my approach to stewardship?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of contentment, generosity, and trust in God, thereby aligning my priorities with eternal values rather than fleeting earthly gains?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 23:5 condemn wealth itself, or the pursuit of it?**

Answer: 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](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - He Who Loves Money Will Not Be Satisfied With Money").

**What does "that which is not" mean in relation to riches?**

Answer: 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](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - What Is Your Life?").

### 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](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - 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](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ Became Poor for Our Sake")), 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](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a salvation that is infinitely more valuable and lasting than any earthly fortune.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 27:24

For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Matthew 6:19

¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

James 5:2

Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Psalms 119:36

Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.