Proverbs 23:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not focus on wealth, for riches vanish as suddenly as an eagle taking flight.
The Context of Proverbs 23:5
Reinforcement that material wealth is unreliable and fleeting.
What Does Proverbs 23:5 Mean?
Riches are presented as transient and unstable—they can disappear almost overnight through circumstances beyond your control. The poetic image of wealth growing wings and flying away emphasizes how swiftly fortune changes and how futile it is to build your entire identity on money.
Setting your eyes on riches that are not yet yours (or may never arrive) is chasing illusion. The verse invites the reader to redirect their gaze toward more stable, enduring sources of well-being—wisdom, relationships, virtue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:5
What does Proverbs 23:5 mean?
Do not focus on wealth, for riches vanish as suddenly as an eagle taking flight.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:5?
Reinforcement that material wealth is unreliable and fleeting.