Pro 23:1 | 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 23:1

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.