What does Proverbs 23:5 mean?

Proverbs 23:5 highlights themes such as wealth, transience, caution when read in context.

How should I apply Proverbs 23:5 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

3Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

4Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

6Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

wealthtransiencecaution

Proverbs 11:28
This verse contrasts trust in wealth with trust in righteousness.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
This verse warns about the dangers of desiring riches, echoing the caution in Proverbs.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
This verse explains that those who love money will not be satisfied, similar to the theme of transience.