Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Will you set your heart on things that don't last? Wealth will surely grow wings and fly away like an eagle soaring toward the sky.
The writer is warning that wealth is temporary and unreliable - it can disappear as quickly as a bird taking flight.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Solomon, around 900 BC, the book of Proverbs was written as part of Israel's Wisdom Literature to provide practical guidance for everyday life and moral decisions. Ancient Israelite culture emphasized the pursuit of wisdom over material wealth, often using vivid imagery in proverbs to illustrate life's uncertainties. This verse specifically warns against fixating on riches, highlighting their temporary nature in a society where wealth was seen as a potential blessing from God but also a risky distraction.
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