When thou sittest to eat with a ruler
Either a supreme ruler, a king, or a subordinate ruler, a
nobleman, a judge, a civil magistrate, a person of honour,
dignity, and authority; and to sit at table with such is
sometimes allowed, and is always reckoned an honour; this
particularly diligent and industrious persons are admitted to,
who not only are brought to stand before kings and great persons,
but to sit at table with them, and eat food with them. And now
the wise man advises such how to behave themselves when this is
the case: consider diligently what [is] before
thee;
or, "considering consider" {q}: take special notice of the food
and drink set upon the table, and consider well which may be most
proper and safe to eat and drink of; for though a man may
lawfully eat of whatsoever is set before him; every creature of
God being good, if it be received with thanksgiving, and
sanctified by the word of God and prayer; yet it is a piece of
wisdom to make use of that which is most conducive to health, and
less ensnaring; and to observe moderation in all, and not indulge
to gluttony and drunkenness: and he should consider also who is
before him, which sense the words wilt bear; the ruler that has
invited him, and sits at the table with him, and take care that
he says or does nothing that may give him offence; and also the
noble personages that are guests with him, and behave towards
them suitably to their rank and dignity; observe their words and
conduct, and imitate the same; yea, even he should consider the
servants and waiters that attend, lest, behaving in an indecent
and disorderly manner, they should report it to his disadvantage
to their ruler or others. But how much greater an honour is it to
sit at table with the King of kings, and with his princes, and
sup with him! when it becomes the saints, who have this honour,
to consider what is set before them; the richest dainties, a
feast of things, the body and blood of Christ, which should he
spiritually discerned by faith; and not the elements of bread and
wine only: likewise the persons before whom they are should be
considered; Christ, who sits at his table, and the princes of his
people with him; and therefore should not feed without fear, and
in a disorderly and indecent manner, as the Corinthians are
charged, but with all reverence and humility.