When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say riches disappear; it captures the intensity of our own desire. It uses the imagery of our "eyes flying" towards wealth, implying an eager, almost predatory gaze, only to find that the riches themselves take flight even faster, like an eagle soaring beyond reach.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger section where Solomon is offering wisdom to his son about navigating the temptations and dangers of life, particularly those associated with excessive wealth and feasting. The preceding verses warn against being greedy for rich food and caution against desiring to be wealthy, setting the stage for this vivid metaphor about the fleeting nature of riches. After this verse, the focus shifts to practical advice about controlling one's tongue and avoiding foolishness.
Ever chased after something that seemed so close, only for it to vanish? This verse paints a vivid picture of that frustration.
The Hebrew in this verse suggests an intense, almost frantic gaze – 'wilt thou cause thine eyes to fly upon it?' It’s not a casual glance, but a deep, covetous focus. Yet, the object of this intense desire is described as 'that which is not.' This doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but rather that it lacks true substance or permanence. It’s like trying to grasp smoke or hold onto a dream. Riches, in this sense, are ultimately illusory; they don't offer solid, lasting security, making our intense pursuit of them a chase after 'that which is not.'
The image of wealth sprouting wings and soaring away is incredibly powerful. What does this wild flight tell us about its nature?
The second half of the verse uses a breathtaking metaphor: riches 'certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.' This isn't a gentle departure; it's a swift, powerful, and irreversible escape. An eagle soaring heavenward is impossible to catch or even follow with the eye. This poetic imagery underscores the extreme instability of worldly wealth. It can vanish in an instant, often without warning, leaving the pursuer bewildered and empty-handed. The certainty expressed ('certainly make themselves wings') suggests this is not a rare occurrence but an inherent characteristic of material possessions.
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This passage echoes the idea that riches are uncertain and can easily vanish, warning against setting our hopes on them and instead on God.
Matthew 6:19-20Jesus' teaching here directly contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly treasures with the eternal security of heavenly treasures, aligning with the proverb's message about riches not being 'that which is'.
Luke 12:16-21The parable of the rich fool illustrates the sudden and unexpected loss of wealth, emphasizing how quickly it can be taken away, mirroring the imagery of riches sprouting wings.
Ecclesiastes 5:10This verse shares the same theme of the insatiable desire for wealth and its tendency to be lost, stating that 'he who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver,' highlighting the futility of chasing such things.
jfbProverbs 23:5: "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 … eyes—As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.
pulpitProverbs 23:5: "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."
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…
The verse doesn't just say riches disappear; it captures the intensity of our own desire. It uses the imagery of our "eyes flying" towards wealth, implying an eager, almost predatory gaze, only to find that the riches themselves take flight even faster, like an eagle soaring beyond reach.
This proverb is part of a larger section where Solomon is offering wisdom to his son about navigating the temptations and dangers of life, particularly those associated with excessive wealth and feasting. The preceding verses warn against being greedy for rich food and caution against desiring to be wealthy, setting the stage for this vivid metaphor about the fleeting nature of riches. After this verse, the focus shifts to practical advice about controlling one's tongue and avoiding foolishness.
This proverb is part of a larger section where Solomon is offering wisdom to his son about navigating the temptations and dangers of life, particularly those associated with excessive wealth and feasting. The preceding verses warn against being greedy for rich food and caution against desiring to be wealthy, setting the stage for this vivid metaphor about the fleeting nature of riches. After this verse, the focus shifts to practical advice about controlling one's tongue and avoiding foolishness.
"When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven." — The verse doesn't just say riches disappear; it captures the intensity of our own desire. It uses the imagery of our "eyes flying" towards wealth, implying an eager, almost predatory gaze, only to fi…
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Last reviewed October 2026