Proverbs 23:3-13

3 Do not desire the ruler's delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist

5 When your eyes light upon it, it is gone; for suddenly it takes wings to itself, flying like an eagle toward heaven.

6 Do not eat the bread of the stingy; do not desire their delicacies;

7 for like a hair in the throat, so are they. "Eat and drink!" they say to you; but they do not mean it.

8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten, and you will waste your pleasant words.

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, who will only despise the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not remove an ancient landmark or encroach on the fields of orphans,

11 for their redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.

12 Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

13 Do not withhold discipline from your children; if you beat them with a rod, they will not die.

Proverbs 23:3-13 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] Heb [his]
• [b] Meaning of Heb uncertain