Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 23:7
(7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.—He is not really friendly and hospitable, as his words would imply, but he grudges every morsel thou takest, calculating its cost. read more
(7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.—He is not really friendly and hospitable, as his words would imply, but he grudges every morsel thou takest, calculating its cost. read more
Thought Proverbs 23:7 The capacity of thinking is a most wonderful thing. Here lies man's supremacy over all the visible world about him. All the mighty deeds that have blessed humanity were once thoughts. Before ever the angel's song was heard on the heights of Bethlehem Christ's atoning work was a Divine thought. If such is the province and potency of thought, we see how the character of a man's thoughts determines the character of his life: for as he thinketh, so is he. His actions are... read more
CHAPTER 24EDUCATION: THE PARENT’S THOUGHT OF THE CHILD"Train up a child according to his way, and even when he is old he will not depart from it."- Proverbs 22:6"Withhold not correction from the child; if thou beat him with the rod he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod and shalt deliver his soul from Sheol."- Proverbs 23:13-14IN Lecture IV we examined two of the main principles which should be inculcated on children in a Christian home. In the present lecture we approach the... read more
CHAPTER 23 Instructions Continued The opening proverbs of this chapter treat of self-restraint in curbing the appetite and give manners to be observed in the presence of a superior. Warnings against riches and their uncertainty are contained in Proverbs 23:4 and Proverbs 23:5 . How well it would be if the great mass of professing Christians, and some true believers also, would consider this instruction: “Labor not to be rich.” But this exhortation as well as the exhortation in 1Ti 6:1-10 is... read more
In these chapters we have a series of exhortations to a life of godliness expressed in general terms about as follows: 1. Confidence in God as a wise ruler (chap. 16) 2. A disposition of peacefulness and contentment (chap. 17) 3. The virtues of affability, fidelity, and others of a social nature (chap. 18) 4. Humility and meekness (chap. 19) 5. Sobriety, diligence and kindness (chap. 21) 6. Justice, patience, submission (chap. 21) 7. The attainment and preservation of a good name (chap. 22) 8.... read more
Self-Restraint, Etc. Proverbs 23:0 This chapter is full of mechanical rules and exhortations. When a man is invited to eat with a ruler, he is to consider diligently what is before him ( Pro 23:1 ). Properly, who is before him; that is to say, the guest is to observe the mighty man lest by some inadvertency he should offend his majesty and thus turn his friendship into enmity. A very strong figure is used for the purpose of representing self-repression. "Put a knife to thy throat, if thou be... read more
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he... read more
Like. Protestants, "as he thinketh is his heart, so is he: eat," &c. (Haydock) --- He is still convinced that his guests will ruin him: or "like one guarding, or trembling for his soul." Septuagint, "swallowing a hair, he saith," &c. He is afraid of expense, and would allow himself as little as possible. --- Diviner. Such endeavour to speak what may come to pass, but are full of anxiety; so the miser's words are contrary to his real sentiments, (Calmet) as the diviner knows that he is... read more
v. 7. for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he, his true nature does not appear on the outside, but his calculating meanness counts every bite his guest takes. Eat and drink, saith he to thee, with apparent politeness and cordial hospitality; but his heart is not with thee, he is not sincere, it is all sham and deceit, planned with selfish calculation. read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 23:1-35
1. RV ’him that is before thee.’ Do not excite his contempt. 2. Restrain your appetite. 3. He invites you for his own purposes.4. Cease, etc.] i.e. desist from the attempt to be rich.6-8. Estimate the niggard according to his thoughts, rather than his words. Your pleasant conversation is wasted labour.10, 11. Read, ’The landmark of the widow.’ God Himself is the Goel, the redeemer, the next of kin, who protects widows and orphans (Exodus 22:21-23; Leviticus 25:25; Numbers 30:12; Ruth 4:3-4;... read more