Proverbs 23
CHAPTER 23
1. Avoid the dangers of gluttony.
2. put a knife--an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.
3. are deceitful meat--though well tasted, injurious.
4, 5. (Compare 1 Timothy 6:9 1 Timothy 6:10 ).
thine own wisdom--which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.
5. Wilt . . . eyes--As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.
6-8. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted.
evil eye--or purpose ( Proverbs 22:9 , Deuteronomy 15:9 , Matthew 6:23 ).
8. The morsel . . . words--that is, disgusted with his true character, all pleasant intercourse will be destroyed.
9. (Compare Proverbs 9:8 ). "Cast not your pearls before swine" ( Matthew 7:6 ).
10, 11. (Compare Proverbs 22:22 Proverbs 22:23 ).
11. redeemer--or avenger ( Leviticus 25:25 Leviticus 25:26 , Numbers 35:12 ), hence advocate ( Job 19:25 ).
plead . . . thee--(Compare Job 31:21 , Psalms 35:1 , 68:5 ).
12. Here begins another series of precepts.
13, 14. While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.
15. 16. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.
16. my reins--(Compare Psalms 7:9 ).
17, 18. (Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.
18. an end--or, "hereafter," another time, when apparent inequalities shall be adjusted (compare Psalms 37:28-38 ).
19-21. guide . . . way--or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Proverbs 4:4 , 9:6 ).
20. riotous . . . flesh--prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of "their flesh" (compare Margin), better, "flesh to them," that is, used for pleasure.
21. drowsiness--the dreamy sleep of the slothful.
22. Hearken--that is, obey ( Proverbs 1:8 , Ephesians 6:1 ).
despise . . . old--Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.
23. Buy--literally, "get" ( Proverbs 4:5 ).
truth--generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.
24, 25. (Compare Proverbs 10:1 , Proverbs 17:21 Proverbs 17:25 ).
26-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness ( Hosea 4:11 ).
give me--This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented ( Proverbs 8:1 , 9:3 , &c.).
heart--confidence.
observe--keep.
my ways--such as I teach you ( Proverbs 3:17 , 9:6 ).