Proverbs 23:1-25

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:1-3

The sin we are here warned against is luxury and sensuality, and the indulgence of the appetite in eating and drinking, a sin that most easily besets us. 1. We are here told when we enter into temptation, and are in most danger of falling into this sin: ?When thou sittest to eat with a ruler thou has great plenty before thee, varieties and dainties, such a table spread as thou has seldom seen; thou are ready to think, as Haman did, of nothing but the honour hereby done thee (Est. 5:12), and... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:4-5

As some are given to appetite (Prov. 23:2) so others to covetousness, and those Solomon here takes to task. Men cheat themselves as much by setting their hearts on money (though it seems most substantial) as by setting them on dainties. Observe, I. How he dissuades the covetous man from toiling and tormenting himself (Prov. 23:4). ?Do not aim to be rich, to raise an estate, and to make what thou hast in abundance more than it is.? We must endeavor to live comfortably, and provide for our... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:6-8

Those that are voluptuous and given to appetite (Prov. 23:2) are glad to be where there is good cheer stirring, and those that are covetous and saving, that they may spare at home, will be glad to get a dinner at another man's table; and therefore both are here advised not to be forward to accept of every man's invitation, but especially not to thrust themselves in uninvited. Observe, 1. There are those that pretend to bid their friends welcome that are not hearty and sincere in it. They have... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:9

We are here directed not to cast pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6) and not to expose things sacred to the contempt and ridicule of profane scoffers. It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of divine things; but, 1. There are some that will make a jest of every thing, though it be ever so prudently and pertinently spoken, that will not only despise a wise man's words, but despise even the wisdom of them, that in them which is most improvable for their own edification; they will... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:10-11

Note, 1. The fatherless are taken under God's special protection; with him they not only find mercy shown to them (Hos. 14:3) but justice done for them. He is their Redeemer, their Goöl, their near kinsman, that will take their part and stand up for them with jealousy, as taking himself affronted in the injuries done to them. As their Redeemer he will plead their cause against those that do them any injury, and, one way or other, will not only defend their right, and recover it for them, but... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:12-16

Here is, 1. A parent instructing his child. He is here brought in persuading him to give his mind to his book, and especially to the scriptures and his catechism, to attend to the words of knowledge, by which he might come to know his duty, and danger, and interest, and not to think it enough to give them the hearing, but to apply his heart to them, to delight in them, and bow his will to the authority of them. The heart is then applied to the instruction when the instruction is applied to the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:17-18

Here is, 1. A necessary caution against entertaining any favourable thoughts of prospering profaneness: ?Let not thy heart envy sinners; do not grudge them either the liberty they take to sin or the success they are to be pitied rather than envied. Their prosperity is their portion (Pr. 12:14), nay, it is their poison,? Prov. 1:32. We must not harbour in our hearts any secret discontent at the providence of God, though it seem to smile upon them, nor wish ourselves in their condition. ?Let not... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 23:19-28

Here is good advice for parents to give to their children; words are put into their mouths, that they may train them up in the way they should go. Here we have, I. An earnest call to young people to attend to the advice of their godly parents, not only to this that is here given, but to all other profitable instructions: ?Here, my son, and be wise, Prov. 23:19. This will be an evidence that thou art wise and a means to make thee wiser.? Wisdom, as faith, comes by hearing. And again (Prov.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:1

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler ,.... Either a supreme ruler, a king, or a subordinate ruler, a nobleman, a judge, a civil magistrate, a person of honour, dignity, and authority; and to sit at table with such is sometimes allowed, and is always reckoned an honour; this particularly diligent and industrious persons are admitted to, who not only are brought to stand before kings and great persons, but to sit at table with them, and eat food with them. And now the wise man advises such... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 23:2

And put a knife to thy throat ,.... Refrain from too much talk at the table; give not too loose to thy tongue, but bridle it, considering in whose presence thou art; do not use too much freedom, either with the ruler or fellow guests; which, when persons have ate and drank well, they are too apt to do, and sometimes say things offensive to one or the other; it is good for a man to be upon his guard; see Ecclesiastes 5:2 . Or restrain thine appetite; deny thyself of some things agreeable,... read more

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