Pro 23 | MHM | STEP | Warning Against Indulgence and Greed This section warns us about the dangers of luxury and giving in to our appetite, especially when eating and drinking. It is easy to be tempted by rich food and special occasions. We must be careful not to let our desire for pleasure control us, because it can lead us away from wisdom and even harm our souls. v. 1 : The Bible says, “When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you” (Proverbs 23:1 ). When you are at a table filled with delicious food, especially with important people, it is easy to focus only on the honor and the taste, like Haman did (Esther 5:12 ). But there may be a trap in this situation. If you do not often eat at such tables, the temptation is even stronger. You should be on guard and think carefully about what is in front of you. Choose wisely, and do not let yourself eat or drink too much. Sometimes it is better to restrain yourself strictly, as if you had a knife at your throat, to keep from excess. Remember the warning: “Take heed lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness” (Luke 21:34 ), and “Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:10 ). If you have a strong appetite, do not desire dainties, because they are “deceitful food.” They may taste good but can make you sick, leave you unsatisfied, and even draw your heart away from God. David prayed not for such pleasures, but against them (Psalm 141:4 ). Too much luxury can harm both the body and soul. It spoils your taste for spiritual things and takes away your heart for God. So, do not chase after pleasure that will only deceive you in the end.

‏ Proverbs 23

Warning Against Indulgence and Greed

This section warns us about the dangers of luxury and giving in to our appetite, especially when eating and drinking. It is easy to be tempted by rich food and special occasions. We must be careful not to let our desire for pleasure control us, because it can lead us away from wisdom and even harm our souls.

v. 1: The Bible says, “When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you” (Proverbs 23:1 ^a). When you are at a table filled with delicious food, especially with important people, it is easy to focus only on the honor and the taste, like Haman did (Esther 5:12 ^b). But there may be a trap in this situation. If you do not often eat at such tables, the temptation is even stronger. You should be on guard and think carefully about what is in front of you. Choose wisely, and do not let yourself eat or drink too much. Sometimes it is better to restrain yourself strictly, as if you had a knife at your throat, to keep from excess. Remember the warning: “Take heed lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness” (Luke 21:34 ^c), and “Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:10 ^d). If you have a strong appetite, do not desire dainties, because they are “deceitful food.” They may taste good but can make you sick, leave you unsatisfied, and even draw your heart away from God. David prayed not for such pleasures, but against them (Psalm 141:4 ^e). Too much luxury can harm both the body and soul. It spoils your taste for spiritual things and takes away your heart for God. So, do not chase after pleasure that will only deceive you in the end.

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The Folly of Chasing Riches

This section warns us not to let the desire for wealth control our lives. Just like some people are ruled by their appetite, others are ruled by a love of money. Working too hard just to become rich does not bring true happiness. Riches are uncertain and can disappear quickly, so it is unwise to trust in them or make them the main goal in life.

v. 4: The Bible says, “Do not labor to be rich; cease from your own wisdom” . We should work to take care of ourselves and our families, but we should not make getting rich our greatest goal (1 Timothy 6:9 ^f). People who are only focused on money fill their lives with stress and endless work, but this is not wise. True wisdom is to be satisfied with what you have and trust in God’s plan, not your own cleverness (Proverbs 3:5-6 ^g). Work enough to meet your needs and help others, but do not become a slave to riches.

v. 5: Wealth does not last forever. The Bible says, “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” . Money and possessions may look important, but they can disappear quickly—just like a bird flying away. Sometimes, just when people think they are secure, their wealth is suddenly gone. Riches are never a safe foundation for your life. It is foolish to trust in them, because they cannot bring true satisfaction or lasting happiness (Luke 12:15 ^h).

Do Not Eat the Food of a Stingy Person

This section warns us about accepting invitations from people who are not sincere or generous. Some people may invite you to eat with them, but they do not truly want to share what they have. Their words may sound friendly, but in their hearts, they are selfish and only care about their own money. It is better to have a simple meal with honest friends than to eat rich food with someone who gives grudgingly.

v. 6: The Bible says, “Do not eat the bread of a man with an evil eye, nor desire his delicacies” (Proverbs 23:6 ⁱ). Some people pretend to be generous and say, “Eat and drink,” but inside, they are not happy to share. They may look kind on the outside, but in their hearts, they only care about keeping their wealth. The food they offer is not truly given in friendship, and you will not enjoy it in the end. It is better to eat a simple meal with real welcome than to have a feast with someone who is stingy. The Bible also says, “The vile person will no more be called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful” (Isaiah 32:5 ^j), reminding us that true generosity comes from the heart.

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Do Not Waste Wisdom on Mockers

This section teaches us to be careful about sharing wise and spiritual advice with people who do not respect it. Some people make fun of everything, even things that are important and sacred. If a person only mocks or rejects good advice, it is better not to keep sharing it with them. This is like what Jesus said: “Do not cast your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6 ^k).

v. 9: The Bible says, “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words” . Some people will always make jokes about serious things, no matter how wisely you speak. They do not just ignore your words—they actually make fun of the wisdom itself. If someone always mocks or rejects wise advice, they lose the benefit of good instruction. In these cases, it is wise to remain silent and not waste your efforts. Sometimes the best advice is to say nothing and let your silence teach instead.

God’s Care for the Fatherless and Wise Parental Teaching

This section teaches us to respect the rights of others, especially orphans, because God Himself watches over them. It also speaks about the duties of parents to teach, correct, and encourage their children. Parents should guide their children in wisdom and rejoice when they see them doing what is right. The passage also reminds us not to envy sinners, but to always live in the fear of the Lord, trusting that our hope in God will not be disappointed.

v. 10: The Bible says, “Do not move the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless” . God cares especially for those who have lost their parents. He is their defender and will stand up for them if they are wronged (Hosea 14:3 ^l). If someone tries to take their land or property, God Himself will protect them and punish those who do wrong. We should be careful not to take advantage of children or the helpless, because God is watching and will act on their behalf.

v. 11: “For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you” . God is called the Redeemer of the fatherless. He has great power to defend them and will see that justice is done. Those who try to harm or cheat orphans will have to answer to God Himself, who is much stronger than any human.

Parental Advice

This section gives wisdom for both parents and children. It teaches that children should listen carefully to instruction and apply themselves to learning. At the same time, parents must not hold back loving correction, because discipline can save a child from great trouble. The passage also shows the deep joy parents feel when their children choose wisdom and speak what is right.

v. 12: Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. The commentary encourages children to pay close attention to teaching, especially to the scriptures and lessons about God. It is not enough just to listen; you must love learning and be willing to follow what is taught.

v. 13: Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Parents might find it hard to discipline their children, but it is necessary. Loving correction will not harm the child; instead, it protects them from much greater dangers that come from bad behavior.

v. 14: Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Discipline may be painful for a moment, but it can save a child's soul from destruction. The most important thing is to care about a child's soul and do everything possible to keep them safe from spiritual ruin.

v. 15: My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. A parent's greatest joy is to see their child make wise decisions and live according to good principles. Parents work hard and pray for their children to be wise, so it makes them truly happy when this happens.

v. 16: Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. When children speak and act rightly, it brings deep comfort to those who taught them. Teachers and parents are glad to see their efforts rewarded. Their greatest hope is that their children will grow up to do what is right and bring honor to God.

Warning Against Envy and Encouragement to Fear the LORD

This section teaches us not to envy sinners or wish for their success. Instead, we should always live in respect and awe of God. The prosperity of sinners may seem attractive, but their good fortune is only temporary. If we keep trusting God and living rightly, we can be sure that our hope will be rewarded in the end.

v. 17: Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. The commentary warns us not to be jealous when people who do wrong seem to prosper. Their happiness is not real and will not last. We should not want to follow their example or try to get rich by doing what they do. Instead, we should keep a respectful fear of God every day, in everything we do. This means always trying to please God, obeying His rules, and remembering that He watches over us.

v. 18: For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. The commentary explains that the good times of the wicked will come to an end. We should not be upset when they seem successful, because their luck will not last. For those who trust God, there will also be an end to their troubles and difficulties. God promises that our hope in Him will not be disappointed. In fact, God’s reward for us will be even greater than we expect. Remembering this helps us stay faithful even when life is hard.

Warnings Against Drunkenness and Bad Companions

This section gives practical advice to young people about making wise choices. Solomon urges his son (and all readers) to listen carefully to wisdom, to avoid wasting their lives on drunkenness or gluttony, and to steer away from bad company. The passage teaches the importance of self-control, choosing the right friends, and seeking wisdom and guidance from parents.

v. 19: Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way . Solomon urges his son to listen to his words and become wise. He tells him to guide his heart in the right direction, meaning to make careful choices and not simply follow emotions or peer pressure. We must not just do what feels good, but think about what is truly wise and right in God’s eyes.

v. 20: Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh . Solomon warns against spending time with people who drink too much wine or eat too much meat in a wild, uncontrolled way. Being around people who love partying and excess can lead us into trouble. It is important to choose friends who have good habits and self-control.

v. 21: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags (Proverbs 23:21 ^m). Solomon explains that people who are always drinking or eating too much often end up poor. Their bad habits make them lazy and sleepy, and soon they do not have enough money or decent clothes. This shows that a lack of self-control can ruin a person’s life, and that we must be careful not to follow such an example.

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The Dangers and Consequences of Drunkenness

This section gives a strong warning against drunkenness, expanding on previous advice (Proverbs 23:20 ⁿ). Solomon urges everyone to avoid not only the act itself but also the temptations and occasions that can lead to it. He vividly describes both the immediate and long-term consequences of drinking too much wine. The focus is on how sin, especially drunkenness, may seem pleasant at first but always ends in pain and regret.

v. 29: Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?These are the marks of those who habitually drink to excess. While many people suffer in life for reasons they cannot control, the drunkard brings misery on themselves. Drunkenness leads to arguments, foolish talk, unnecessary injuries, and even visible signs of harm like red eyes.

v. 30: They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.Those who spend much time drinking and searching for the strongest drinks are most at risk. They waste precious hours that could be used for productive work or rest. Their main concern becomes finding the best and most intoxicating drinks, sacrificing their reason for temporary pleasure.

v. 31: Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.Solomon warns not to be tempted by the beauty of wine. While red wine was considered the best in Canaan, he says not to be guided by your senses alone. Something that looks good is not always good for you. When it comes to temptation, don't trust what simply pleases the eye. Avoid even the first steps toward sin—don't look, so you don't begin to desire.

v. 32: At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.Although drinking may feel pleasant at first, it ends in pain—like a snake bite. This can mean sickness, ruined health, financial loss, regret, or even spiritual ruin if not repented of. Sinful pleasure always ends in bitterness, so it is wise to think about the consequences, not just the temporary enjoyment.

v. 33: Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.Drunkenness makes people lose control. Their eyes wander to things (and people) they should avoid, leading to lust and impurity. Their speech becomes foolish, shameful, and offensive—things they would never say if they were sober.

v. 34: Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.The drunk person becomes confused and unstable. They feel dizzy and disoriented, like someone tossed by waves or lying dangerously at the top of a ship’s mast. Sleep is troubled, dreams are wild, and judgment is clouded. They become careless about danger and don't even feel pain or punishment properly.

v. 35: They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.Worst of all is how the heart is hardened. Even after suffering harm and making a fool of themselves, the drunkard wants to return to drinking as soon as possible. They ignore the misery caused by their actions and refuse to change, stubbornly choosing to repeat their mistakes (Jeremiah 2:25 ^o). This is why the warning is so strong: stop at the beginning—don't even look at the wine when it sparkles, or you may find yourself caught in its trap.