Proverbs 23:1-3, Proverbs 23:6-8 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-8

Hints and warnings on conduct I. PERILS OF COURTLY LIFE . ( Proverbs 23:1-3 .) The Arab proverb says, "He who sups with the sultan burns his lips," and, "With kings one sits at the table for honour's sake, not for that of appetite." Horace says that kings are said to press dainties and wine upon those whom they desire to scrutinize and test, as to whether they be worthy of friendship. The caution is therefore one dictated by prudence. And in general it may be thus understood:... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:2

And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. "Stab thy gluttony," Wordsworth. Restrain thyself by the strongest measures, convince thyself that thou art in the utmost peril, if thou art a glutton or wine bibber (Ecclesiasticus 34:12 (31) ). The LXX . gives a different turn to the injunction, "And apply ( ἐπίβαλλε ) thy hand, knowing that it behoves thee to prepare such things." This is like the warning of Siracides, in the chapter quoted above, where the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:3

Be not desirous of his dainties. (For "dainties," see on Proverbs 23:6 .) Be not too greedy of the bounties of the royal table, so as to forget discretion, and be led to say and do things which are inexpedient or unseemly. For they are deceitful meat. Oftentimes such entertainment is not offered for friendship's sake, but for some sinister purpose—to make a man expose himself, to get at a man's real character or secrets. Far from being a sign of favour and good will, the seeming honour... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 23:1-3

Proverbs 23:1-3. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler When thou art invited to the table of a great man; consider diligently what is before thee What things, what plenty and variety of meats and drinks, by which thou mayest easily be tempted to excess in partaking of them, and so mayest be induced to speak or act in an unbecoming manner. And put a knife to thy throat, &c. Restrain and govern thine appetite, so as to avoid all excess, as with a sword hanging over thy head, or as if a... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-35

Social-climbers and others (23:1-35)Those who seek status like to mix with the upper classes and try to copy their habits. But because of their ignorance of how to eat fine foods, they make fools of themselves and so spoil their chances of progressing up the social ladder. The food they desire becomes the means of their downfall (23:1-3). The desire for wealth can lead to disappointment (4-5), and the efforts to win the favour of others may win only their disfavour. This may particularly be the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:1

When = Forasmuch as. Taking the act for granted. thou. The second person is continued down to Proverbs 23:24 . Consider = Discern. what: or, who. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:2

And put = Then thou wilt put. a man given, &c. Illustrations: Esau (Genesis 25:30 ); Isaac (Genesis 25:28 ; Genesis 27:4 ); those referred to in Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:18 , Philippians 1:19 . appetite = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:3

dainties = dainty meals. deceitful meat = meat that deceives. Hebrew. kazah. See note on Proverbs 11:18 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 23:1

6Proverbs 23:1-3"When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee; And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food."George DeHoff commented on this: "Proper etiquette in eating is encouraged. One's table manners are important. When invited to the table of one's betters, he should eat moderately, and not as half-starved. It is better not to eat and drink those things to which one... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 23:1-3

Proverbs 23:1-3. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, &c.— There are two evils to be avoided at the tables of the great: the one is, too much talking; the other, too much eating: the wise man exhorts his disciple to avoid both the one and the other by the phrase, put a knife to thy throat; "Repress your appetite, and your inclination to talk." Wine, company, and the gaiety which attends entertainments, often invite men to be too free in the use of meat and drink; and it is by these that... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 23:3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 23:1-3

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-35

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:1

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:2

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 23:3

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 23:1

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 23:1-3

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