Proverbs 23:1-18 uniquely pairs warnings against wealth's deception with exhortations to hope in the LORD, a combination appearing in only two biblical passages.
Proverbs 23
Warnings About Excess and Envy
1When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;
2put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.
3Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food.
4Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.
5Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
6Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies,
7for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8You will vomit up the morsel which you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.
9Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.
12Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.
13Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
14Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol.
15My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine.
16Yes, my heart will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17Don’t let your heart envy sinners, but rather fear the LORD all day long.
18Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off.
Parental Instruction and Warnings Against Vice
19Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!
20Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat;
21for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
22Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
24The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
25Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice!
26My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.
27For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.
29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine.
31Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
32In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper.
33Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:
35“They hit me, and I was not hurt! They beat me, and I don’t feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I will look for more.”
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Theme
Proverbs 23 presents a collection of wisdom sayings focused on self-control and proper relationships, particularly addressing the dangers of excess and the importance of parental guidance. The chapter warns against gluttony, greed, and drunkenness while emphasizing the value of discipline, both in receiving correction and in maintaining moral boundaries. Through vivid imagery and practical counsel, these proverbs teach that true wisdom involves moderation, respect for authority, and fear of the Lord rather than pursuit of immediate pleasures.
Context
This chapter continues the extended wisdom discourse that began in Proverbs 22:17, maintaining the intimate father-son instructional tone while addressing practical moral challenges.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-8 Warnings About Dining and Wealth Counsel on self-control when eating with rulers and avoiding the pursuit of riches or meals with stingy hosts.
- 9-11 Wisdom in Speech and Justice Instructions about not wasting wisdom on fools and protecting the rights of the vulnerable.
- 12-18 Parental Discipline and Fear of the Lord Emphasis on receiving instruction, disciplining children, and maintaining hope through reverence for God rather than envying sinners.
- 19-25 Avoiding Excess and Honoring Parents Warnings against gluttony and drunkenness, coupled with commands to honor parents and pursue wisdom.
- 26-28 Sexual Purity and Moral Vigilance A father's plea for his son's heart and warnings about the dangers of prostitutes and unfaithful women.
- 29-35 The Consequences of Drunkenness A vivid description of alcohol's destructive effects through rhetorical questions and striking imagery of addiction's cycle.
Warnings About Excess and Envy
23:1–23:18 wisdom instruction warning
Warnings against excessive desire for wealth and food, emphasizing restraint, proper treatment of the vulnerable, and maintaining hope in the LORD rather than envying sinners.
theme_rarity
Proverbs 23:1-18 uniquely pairs warnings against wealth's deception with exhortations to hope in the LORD, a combination appearing in only two biblical passages.
Parental Instruction and Warnings Against Vice
23:19–23:35 wisdom instruction warning
Parental instruction emphasizing the importance of wisdom, honoring parents, and detailed warnings against the destructive effects of alcohol and immoral relationships.
theme_rarity
The Hebrew word "ben" (son) appears seven times in this passage, creating an intensely personal paternal voice that contrasts sharply with Proverbs' typical third-person wisdom instruction.
Insights
The Hebrew word "ben" (son) appears seven times in this passage, creating an intensely personal paternal voice that contrasts sharply with Proverbs' typical third-person wisdom instruction.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Proverbs 23:10 1 reference
Proverbs 23:11 3 references
Lexicals 3
Jeremiah 50:34 Lexical
Their Redeemer is strong. The LORD of Armies is his name. He will thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to…
Lamentations 3:58 Lexical
Lord, you have pleaded the causes of my soul. You have redeemed my life.
Psalms 119:154 Lexical
Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise.
Proverbs 23:12 1 reference
Proverbs 23:13 1 reference
Proverbs 23:18 3 references
Lexicals 3
Proverbs 24:14 Lexical
so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul. If you have found it, then there will be a reward: Your hope will not be cu…
Jeremiah 31:17 Lexical
There is hope for your latter end,” says the LORD. “Your children will come again to their own territory.
Job 14:7 Lexical
“For there is hope for a tree if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease.
Proverbs 23:20 1 reference
Proverbs 23:21 1 reference
Proverbs 23:23 4 references
Lexicals 4
Proverbs 1:2 Lexical
to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
Proverbs 4:7 Lexical
Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:5 Lexical
Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don’t forget, and don’t deviate from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 16:16 Lexical
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Proverbs 23:27 1 reference
Proverbs 23:29 1 reference
Proverbs 23:32 2 references
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