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Proverbs 23:5

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 23:5 delivers a powerful warning against the futility of obsessively pursuing or relying on material wealth. The verse uses vivid imagery to convey that riches are inherently unstable and can vanish as quickly as they appear, urging the reader to consider where their ultimate focus and security lie.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs (chapters 22-24) known as the "Sayings of the Wise," which offers practical wisdom and moral instruction for living a righteous life. Specifically, Proverbs 23:5 follows directly after Proverbs 23:4, which advises, "Labour not to be rich." Together, these verses form a concise yet profound admonition against the dangers of materialism and the misplaced hope in transient possessions. The wisdom here is timeless, applicable to anyone grappling with financial aspirations and the pursuit of prosperity.

Key Themes

  • The Transience of Wealth: The central message is that material possessions are fleeting. The imagery of riches making "themselves wings" and flying away "as an eagle toward heaven" powerfully illustrates their impermanence. Unlike spiritual blessings or eternal truths, wealth offers no lasting security and can disappear unexpectedly.
  • Misplaced Focus: The rhetorical question, "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?" challenges the reader to examine their priorities. It warns against the folly of fixating on something that lacks true substance or permanence. This aligns with the New Testament warning against laying up treasures on earth, where they are vulnerable to decay and theft.
  • Spiritual Perspective: By exposing the illusion of lasting security in earthly wealth, the proverb implicitly calls for a shift in perspective. It encourages believers to prioritize what is eternal and truly substantial, aligning with the counsel to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "that which is not" ('ayin) literally means "nothing" or "non-existent." When applied to riches, it emphasizes their illusory nature—they promise much but ultimately offer no eternal value and can vanish without warning. The vivid metaphor of riches growing "wings" and soaring "as an eagle" highlights their swift, high-flying, and often irrecoverable disappearance, underscoring their elusive quality.

Practical Application

Proverbs 23:5 serves as a vital guide for navigating the complexities of financial life and personal ambition. It is not a condemnation of wealth itself, but a profound warning against the idolatry of wealth and the dangers of making it one's ultimate pursuit. For a general audience, this proverb encourages:

  • Cultivating Contentment: Learning to be satisfied with what one has, rather than ceaselessly striving for more. This guards against the endless cycle of desire that can lead to discontentment and spiritual emptiness.
  • Investing in Eternal Value: Recognizing that true security, lasting joy, and genuine fulfillment come from spiritual pursuits, strong relationships, and a right relationship with God, not from accumulated material assets. This resonates with the New Testament teaching that the love of money is the root of all evil.
  • Prudent Stewardship: While not setting one's heart on riches, the verse still encourages wise management of resources, understanding that they are temporary gifts to be used for God's glory and the benefit of others, rather than hoarded for personal gain.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 27:24 (11 votes)

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

  • 1 John 2:16 (10 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • James 5:1 (6 votes)

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

  • James 5:2 (6 votes)

    Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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