Will you set your eyes on that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
thou
Psalm 119:36,37 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness…
Jeremiah 22:17 But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.
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.
that which
Genesis 42:3 And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
riches
Proverbs 27:24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Job 1:14-17 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: …
Psalm 39:6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
for it makes wings for itself
This imagery suggests that wealth has an inherent tendency to vanish, as if it has the ability to escape from one's grasp. The metaphor of wings implies swiftness and inevitability. In the broader biblical narrative, this can be connected to the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), where Jesus illustrates the futility of hoarding wealth without being "rich toward God." The idea that wealth can "make wings" also serves as a warning against placing trust in material possessions, which can lead to spiritual complacency.
and flies like an eagle to the sky
The eagle is a powerful symbol in the Bible, often representing strength and swiftness (Isaiah 40:31). Here, it underscores the rapidity with which wealth can disappear. The historical context of the ancient world, where eagles were seen as majestic and untouchable, reinforces the idea that once wealth takes flight, it is beyond human control. This phrase can be linked to the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He advises seeking first the kingdom of God rather than worrying about material needs (Matthew 6:33). The imagery of the eagle also serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God, who provides for His people in ways that transcend earthly riches.
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. When you glance at wealth…” (Proverbs 23:4-5a).
• The verse opens with a warning about the very first look—just a glance. Temptation often begins with a quick, careless look (Genesis 3:6; Joshua 7:21).
• Scripture calls believers to guard their eyes and desires (1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 6:22-23).
• Wealth itself is not condemned (Deuteronomy 8:18), but fixing our gaze on it shifts trust from the Lord to money (Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9-10).
“…it disappears…” (Proverbs 23:5b).
• Riches are famously unstable—markets crash, jobs are lost, economies shift (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14).
• Proverbs 27:24 reminds, “riches are not forever,” echoing Jesus’ teaching that earthly treasure can be destroyed by moth and rust (Matthew 6:19).
• Depending on money for security is like gripping water in your fist: it slips away (James 4:14; Psalm 39:6).
“…for it makes wings for itself…” (Proverbs 23:5c).
• The picture is not of a thief stealing riches but of wealth sprouting its own wings—an inherent tendency to leave.
• This underscores that money is never as solid as it seems (Proverbs 11:28; Jeremiah 17:11).
• Practical ways wealth “grows wings”:
– Inflation silently eroding buying power.
– Unexpected expenses—health, disaster, litigation.
– Poor stewardship or foolish investments (Luke 15:13-14).
“…and flies like an eagle to the sky.” (Proverbs 23:5d).
• An eagle ascends swiftly, powerfully, and out of reach—mirroring how riches can vanish before one can react (Job 20:4-8).
• The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) illustrates wealth taking flight at the very moment it seemed secure.
• By contrast, treasure laid up in heaven is untouchable (Matthew 6:20; 1 Peter 1:4).
Proverbs 23:5 teaches that earthly riches are fleeting: one careless glance can ignite desire, yet the very thing craved is destined to soar away beyond grasp. The Lord urges wisdom—eyes fixed on Him, hands open in stewardship, hearts anchored in lasting treasure that never sprouts wings.
(5) They fly away.--Rather, As an eagle that flieth toward heaven, far beyond thy reach.Verse 5. - Wilt thou sat thine eyes upon that which is not? more literally, wilt thou let thine eyes fly upon it, and it is gone? Why cast longing looks towards this wealth, and so prepare for yourself loss and disappointment? The pursuit is vain, and the result is never secure; what you gained by long toil and prudent care may be lost in an hour. Do you wish to incur this danger? Wordsworth quotes Persius, 'Sat.,' 3:61 -"An passim sequeris corvos testaque lutoque?" For riches certainly make themselves wings. The subject, unexpressed, is riches, and the Hebrew phrase implies absolute certainty: Making they will make for themselves. They fly away as an eagle toward heaven; or, like on eagle that flieth toward heaven, where not even sight can follow. Publ. Syr., 255, "Longinquum est omne quod cupiditas flagitat." The Telugu compares worldly prosperity to writing upon water. Says the Greek moralist -
Βέβαιον οὐδέν ἐν βίῳ δοκεῖ πέλειν
"There's naught in life that one can deem secure." Septuagint, "If thou fix thine eye upon him (the rich patron), he will nowhere be seen, for wings like an eagle's are ready prepared for him, and he will return to the house of his master (τοῦ προεστηκότος), and leave you to shift for yourself."
Parallel Commentaries ...