Pro 23:1-3 | NETfull | STEP | When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you,

Proverbs 23:1-3

1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
consider carefully ^{▼▼ The construction uses the imperfect tense of instruction with the infinitive absolute to emphasize the careful discernment required on such occasions. Cf. NIV “note well”; NLT “pay attention.”} what ^{▼▼ Or “who,” referring to the ruler (so ASV, NAB, TEV).} is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat ^{▼▼ The expression “put a knife to your throat” is an idiom that means “curb your appetite” or “control yourself” (cf. TEV). The instruction was from a time when people dealt with all-powerful tyrants. To enter the presence of such a person and indulge one’s appetites would be to take a very high risk.}
if you possess a large appetite. ^{▼▼ Heb “lord of appetite.” The idiom בַּעַל נֶפֶשׁ (ba’al nefesh) refers to someone who possesses a large appetite (cf. NAB “a ravenous appetite”). A person with a big appetite is in danger of taking liberties when invited to court.}
3 Do not crave that ruler’s ^{▼▼ Heb “his”; the referent (the ruler mentioned in v. 1) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} delicacies,
for ^{▼▼ The final line gives the causal clause: The impressive feast is not what it appears to be; the king is not doing you a favor, but rather wants something from you or is observing you (K&D 17:104); cf. TEV “he may be trying to trick you.”} that food is deceptive. ^{▼▼ Verses 1–3 form the sixth saying about being cautious before rulers (cf. Instruction of Amememope, chap. 23, 23:13–18). One should not get too familiar with rulers, for they always have ulterior motives. The Mishnah cites Gamaliel as warning that a ruler only draws someone into his court for his purpose, but in their day of trouble he will not be there to help them (m. Abot 2:3).}