Proverbs 23:1-12

Saying 7

1 When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what^[a] is before you,

2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

Saying 8

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Saying 9

6 Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies;

7 for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost.^[b]“Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.

Saying 10

9 Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.

Saying 11

10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

11 for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.

Saying 12

12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:1-12 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.

Cross References

• 1. ver 6-8; Psalms 141:4
• 2. S Matthew 6:19
• 3. Proverbs 27:24
• 4. ver 1-3; Psalms 141:4
• 5. S Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:7; Matthew 7:6
• 6. S Deuteronomy 19:14; Proverbs 22:28
• 7. S Job 19:25
• 8. Psalms 24:8
• 9. Exodus 22:22-24; Proverbs 15:25; Proverbs 22:22-23
• 10. S Proverbs 2:2

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "who"
• [b]. Or "for as he thinks within himself," / "so he is" ; or "for as he puts on a feast," / "so he is"