What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:5? When you glance at wealth “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 “…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 “…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 “…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). summary 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. |
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