Proverbs 23:5 net — When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an e…

NET Bible

"When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an eagle!"

— Proverbs 23:5, NET Bible

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Proverbs 23:5 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 23 — Context

2

and put a knife to your throat if you possess a large appetite.

3

Do not crave that ruler’s delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

4

Do not wear yourself out to become rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.

5

When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an eagle!

6

Do not eat the food of a stingy person, do not crave his delicacies;

7

for he is like someone who has calculated the cost in his mind.“Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you;

8

you will vomit up the little bit you have eaten, and will have wasted your pleasant words.

Proverbs 23:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 23:5 say?
Proverbs 23:5 in the NET Bible reads: “When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an eagle!”
Where is Proverbs 23:5 in the Bible?
Proverbs 23:5 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 5.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 23:5.
What translation should I read Proverbs 23:5 in?
Proverbs 23:5 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 23:5?
Proverbs 23:5 reads (NET): “When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an eagle!” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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