Proverbs 23:2-12

2 If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat;

3 don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.

4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.

5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.

6 Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies.

7 They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.

8 You will throw up what little you’ve eaten, and your compliments will be wasted.

9 Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

10 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.

11 For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.

12 Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 11

This chapter relates the false steps Solomon took, notwithstanding all his wisdom, in marrying strange wives, and worshipping other gods, 1Ki 11:1-8 upon which the Lord threatens him to rend the kingdom in his son's time, 1Ki 11:9-13 and he raised up adversaries against him, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam, 1Ki 11:14-26 of which last an account is given, and of his being assured by Ahijah the prophet of his having ten of the tribes of Israel given to him; which Solomon having notice of sought to slay him, 1Ki 11:27-40 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Solomon's death and burial, 1Ki 11:41-43.

Footnotes

• [a]. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
• [b]. Or redeemer.