What Does Proverbs 23:5 Mean?

When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.

Proverbs 23:5(NASB)

Verse of the Day

We live in times that are becoming increasingly difficult to make ends meet, and the temptation is to look at those around at those who appear to be so bountifully endowed with the riches of this world and yearn for a little of what they have. It seems so unfair, it seems so unjust that those who seek after the wealth of this world appear to have a purse filled with coins, with little to concern their godless lives, whereas we have such a meagre portion and can scarce breathe for worry about provision for tomorrow, which enlarges into fear of the future. And yet, as God's blood-bought children, we are told: "When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an eagle!"

It is foolish to turn our eyes toward wealth, for it will vanish into thin air, leaving nothing but loss and disappointment in its wake. The words of Scripture are there for us to heed. They teach us not to lust after the things of this world, but to seek the things of God and His righteousness, to keep our eyes upon the Lord Jesus, to get our priorities in order, to live by faith in Jesus Christ, and simply trust Him to fulfil all our needs. He knows exactly what we need, and He has promised to turn every situation in life, whether good or evil, to our eternal benefit.

We have been given good instructions in Scripture on how to live: "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we are to make our requests known to God," for His grace is sufficient. When we live by faith and keep Him at the centre of our lives, His peace will flood our heart. He is our Father, and He has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.

When we look to the wealth of this world, we will be left bereft and empty. When we look to 'self' to supply our needs, we are living in carnal unbelief. But when we live by faith, we are trusting Him in all things - even when times are increasingly difficult and our supply seems to have dried up. When we trust in the Lord with all our heart and do not lean on our own understanding, and when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will lead us in the best path - even though it may not be in the direction we expect!

My Prayer

Loving Father, I don’t want to look to the evaporating riches of this world, knowing that my treasure is kept for me in heaven. Please, Father, provide for my needs today and help me not to worry about tomorrow but simply to trust in Your Word, for You have promised to supply all my needs according to Your riches and glory. Thank You, Father, in Jesus' name, AMEN.

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