Proverbs 23
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CHAPTER 23
Sayings of the Wise, Continued (23:1–35)
1–35 Verses 1–3: If a ruler or other important figure invites you to dine, be on your guard. His delicacies are deceptive (verse 3); he may be examining your behavior or planning to ask for some service from you. Above all, if you are tempted to gluttony, put a knife to your throat—that is, control yourself; you will lose all chance of advancement if you overindulge.
Verses 4–5: It is folly to strive for riches; they are easily lost, and they certainly can’t be taken with us when we die (see Proverbs 15:27; Matthew 6:19–21,24; Luke 12:1621; 1 Timothy 6:9–10,17).
Verses 6–8: This saying tells us not to eat with a stingy man because of his lack of sincerity. The experience would be unpleasant; we would feel like “vomiting” the food we ate.
Verse 9: Do not speak to a fool—that is, to one who is not willing to listen. Fools despise wisdom and advice (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, they hate the person who corrects them; the more justified the correction, the greater their hatred. To try to instruct such people not only is a waste of time; it can also be dangerous (see Matthew 7:6).
Verses 10–11: God is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5); those who try to take advantage of the weak do so at their peril (see Proverbs 15:25; 22:28).
Verse 12: See Proverbs 22:17–21.
Verses 13–14: See Proverbs 13:24; 19:18.
Verses 17–18: It’s pointless to envy sinners, who have no future hope (see Psalm 37:1–2; Proverbs 3:31; 24:1,19). Instead of burning with envy, let us “burn” with zeal for the Lord; let us be zealous to fear Him, to worship Him, to serve Him.
Verses 20–21: This saying warns us against overindulgence in the pleasures of life;those who do so jeopardize their wealth, their health, and their standing with God (see Romans 13:13–14; 1 Timothy 3:2–3).
Verses 22–25: In this saying, the writer urges us to listen to our parents so that we might obtain wisdom. In verse 23, he says: Buy the truth and do not sell it, do not lose it (see Proverbs 4:7). If we gain wisdom, our parents will rejoice (see Proverbs 10:1).
Verses 26–28: See Proverbs 2:16–19; 7:6–27.
Verses 29–35: In these verses, the writer vividly describes the problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Scripture teaches us not to become intoxicated (Proverbs 20:1; Romans 13:13; Ephesians 5:18); here the writer goes further and points out the dangers of persistent drinking, or alcoholism: “When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” (verse 35). Modern psychologists tell us that alcoholism is primarily a medical problem; but they are wrong. It is primarily a spiritual and moral problem; the alcoholic has started out by disobeying God and has become entrapped by a physical addiction. Only by repenting and casting himself upon God can the alcoholic experience true deliverance and spiritual renewal.