A Different Type of Eagle Wing

(Pro 23:5 KJV)  Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Notice that the word “riches” is not in the original Hebrew at this point.  It refers back to the previous verse.  The idea is that riches tend to disappear.  As an example think of people who have won a big check in the lottery, who receive a large inheritance or some other unearned bit of wealth.  What tends to happen?  They blow it and end up as poor as before.

Many Americans have an income that would put them in the upper class in the third world.  I hear about how cheap it is to live in some countries.  In spite of that they are one pay check away from disaster.  They have no savings.  Their credit cards are maxed out.  At the same time someone who has limited income has their bills paid and their home paid off.  Why?  How?

People who focus on riches tend to think it is there to spend.  So they spend.  They figure they will make up for it later but they never do.  As a result, it flies away.

So?  God will meet our needs but we have a part in that formula.  It means that we practice stewardship.  It means we follow His priorities.  It means learning the difference between need and want.  Check your bank account as see how you are doing.