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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 23:5 When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_23_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:5 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For <i>riches</i> certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle <i>toward</i> heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For <i>wealth</i> certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies <i>toward</i> the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For <i>wealth</i> certainly makes itself wings, Like an eagle that flies <i>toward</i> the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do you make your eyes fly <i>up to see it</i>? But it is not there! Because it certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies <i>toward</i> the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When you set your eyes on wealth, it is [suddenly] gone. For <i>wealth</i> certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies to the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Your money flies away before you know it, just like an eagle suddenly taking off. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Will you catch only a fleeting glimpse of wealth before it is gone? It makes wings for itself like an eagle flying into the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When you fix your gaze on it, it's gone, for it sprouts wings for itself and flies to the sky like an eagle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an eagle! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wilt thou set thy eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make to themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle towards heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For wealth makes wings to itself, "" It flies to the heavens as an eagle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For wealth maketh to itself wings, As an eagle it flieth to the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wilt thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it and it is not? for making, it will make to it wings; as an eagle and it flew to the heavens.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Lift not up thy eyes to riches which thou canst not have: because they shall make themselves wings like those of an eagle, and shall fly towards heaven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not raise your eyes toward wealth that you are not able to have. For they will make themselves wings, like those of an eagle, and they will fly in the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When your glance flits to it, it is gone! For assuredly it grows wings, like the eagle that flies toward heaven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When your eyes light upon it, it is gone; for suddenly it takes wings to itself, flying like an eagle toward heaven.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For if you should fix your eye on him, you cannot see him; for he makes for himself wings like an eagle and flies away toward the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For if you fix your eye on him, he disappears before you, because he makes wings for himself like an eagle and flies into the sky.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wilt thou set thine eyes upon it? it is gone; For riches certainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If thou shouldest fix thine eye upon him, he will disappear; for wings like an eagle's are prepared for him, and he returns to the house of his master.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4611" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5774.htm" title="5774: hă·ṯå̄·ʿūp̄ (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms) -- To fly, to faint. A primitive root; to cover; hence to fly; also to faint.">When you glance</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·ne·ḵā (N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">at wealth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ê·nen·nū (Conj-w:: Adv:: 3ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">it disappears,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śōh (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">it makes</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3671.htm" title="3671: ḵə·nā·p̄a·yim (N-fd) -- Wing, extremity. From kanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle.">wings for itself</a> <a href="/hebrew/5774.htm" title="5774: wə·ʿå̄·yēp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fly, to faint. A primitive root; to cover; hence to fly; also to faint.">and flies</a> <a href="/hebrew/5404.htm" title="5404: kə·ne·šer (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- An eagle. From an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle.">like an eagle</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·mā·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">to the sky.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-3</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-22.htm">Matthew 13:22</a></span><br />The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-19.htm">Mark 4:19</a></span><br />but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Luke 16:13</a></span><br />No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16-17</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11</a></span><br />Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/27-19.htm">Job 27:19-20</a></span><br />He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone. / Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest sweeps him away in the night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Psalm 62:10</a></span><br />Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Jeremiah 17:11</a></span><br />Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Will you set your eyes on that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.</p><p class="hdg">thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-36.htm">Psalm 119:36,37</a></b></br> Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/22-17.htm">Jeremiah 22:17</a></b></br> But thine eyes and thine heart <i>are</i> not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do <i>it</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16</a></b></br> For all that <i>is</i> 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.</p><p class="hdg">that which</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-3.htm">Genesis 42:3</a></b></br> And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a></b></br> And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness <i>was</i> upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Genesis 12:8</a></b></br> And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, <i>having</i> 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.</p><p class="hdg">riches</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Proverbs 27:24</a></b></br> For riches <i>are</i> not for ever: and doth the crown <i>endure</i> to every generation?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/1-14.htm">Job 1:14-17</a></b></br> And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a></b></br> Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up <i>riches</i>, and knoweth not who shall gather them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/psalms/103-5.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/105-31.htm">Flies</a> <a href="/psalms/91-5.htm">Flieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Fly</a> <a href="/psalms/148-10.htm">Flying</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Glance</a> <a href="/psalms/150-1.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-27.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Light</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/psalms/147-8.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/psalms/132-17.htm">Sprout</a> <a href="/psalms/90-6.htm">Sprouts</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Wings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-26.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Flies</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Flieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Fly</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Flying</a> <a href="/songs/4-9.htm">Glance</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-3.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-18.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-31.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Light</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-2.htm">Sprout</a> <a href="/hosea/10-4.htm">Sprouts</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-20.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Wings</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When you glance at wealth, it disappears</b><br>This phrase highlights the fleeting nature of material wealth. In biblical context, wealth is often portrayed as temporary and unreliable. The Book of Ecclesiastes echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the vanity of pursuing riches (<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a>). Historically, wealth in ancient times was often measured in livestock, land, and precious metals, all of which could be lost due to war, theft, or natural disaster. The cultural context of the ancient Near East, where this proverb was written, valued wisdom and righteousness over material wealth, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who warned against storing up treasures on earth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).<p><b>for it makes wings for itself</b><br>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 (<a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>), 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.<p><b>and flies like an eagle to the sky</b><br>The eagle is a powerful symbol in the Bible, often representing strength and swiftness (<a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a>). 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 (<a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and the fleeting nature of wealth are central to this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/eagle.htm">Eagle</a></b><br>A symbol used in this verse to illustrate the swiftness and inevitability with which wealth can vanish. The eagle is known for its speed and ability to soar high, emphasizing the transient nature of material riches.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Wealth in ancient Israel was often seen as a blessing from God, but also as something that could lead to pride and downfall if not handled wisely.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_security.htm">The Illusion of Security</a></b><br>Wealth can create a false sense of security. As believers, our security should be rooted in God, not in material possessions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_material_wealth.htm">The Transience of Material Wealth</a></b><br>Just as an eagle swiftly takes flight, so can wealth disappear. We should focus on eternal values rather than temporary riches.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wise_stewardship.htm">Wise Stewardship</a></b><br>While wealth itself is not evil, it requires wise management. We should use our resources to honor God and help others, reflecting His generosity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god.htm">Contentment in God</a></b><br>True contentment comes from a relationship with God, not from accumulating wealth. We should cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God's provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Keeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth, aligning our lives with God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_view_scientifically_impossible_proverbs.htm">Proverbs 23:5 depicts wealth sprouting wings and flying away; how should we view such statements that appear scientifically impossible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/candombland#233;'s_role_in_brazil.htm">What is a simile found in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_wealth_secure_eternal_friends.htm">How can worldly wealth secure eternal friendships?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_wealth.htm">What does the Bible say about earthly treasures?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">They fly away.--</span>Rather, <span class= "ital">As an eagle that flieth toward heaven, </span>far beyond thy reach.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wilt thou sat thine eyes upon that which is not?</span> more literally, <span class="accented">wilt thou let thine eyes fly upon it, and it is gone</span>? 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 - <p><span class="foreign">"An passim sequeris corvos testaque lutoque?"</span> <span class="cmt_word">For riches certainly make themselves wings.</span> The subject, unexpressed, is riches, and the Hebrew phrase implies absolute certainty: <span class="accented">Making they will make for themselves. <span class="cmt_word"></span>They fly away as an eagle toward heaven;</span> or, <span class="accented">like on eagle that flieth toward heaven</span>, 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 - <p><span class="greek">Βέβαιον οὐδέν ἐν βίῳ δοκεῖ πέλειν</span> <p><span class="accented">"There's naught in life that one can deem secure."</span> 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 (<span class="greek">τοῦ προεστηκότος</span>), and leave you to shift for yourself." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When you glance [at wealth],</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲתָ֤עִיף</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ṯā·‘îp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5774.htm">Strong's 5774: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fly, to faint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it disappears,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽאֵ֫ינֶ֥נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ê·nen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it makes</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשֹׂ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wings for itself</span><br /><span class="heb">כְנָפַ֑יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·nā·p̄a·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3671.htm">Strong's 3671: </a> </span><span class="str2">An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and flies</span><br /><span class="heb">יָע֥וּף</span> <span class="translit">(yā·‘ūp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5774.htm">Strong's 5774: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fly, to faint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like an eagle</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֝נֶ֗שֶׁר</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ne·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5404.htm">Strong's 5404: </a> </span><span class="str2">The eagle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the sky.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·mā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:5 Why do you set your eyes (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>