1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
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.
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.
Proverbs is a book of wisdom, written by King Solomon, known for his great wisdom and understanding. Chapter 23 of the book of Proverbs in the KJV Holy Bible is filled with practical advice and warnings about how to live a wise and righteous life. This chapter covers a variety of topics, from relationships, to wealth, to self-control. It is a call to live with wisdom and discernment, and to avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and wickedness.
1. The Importance of Discernment and Self-Control
The first few verses of Proverbs 23 highlight the importance of discernment and self-control. It warns against indulging in the lusts of the flesh, such as overeating and drinking too much wine. It also emphasizes the importance of self-control in our speech, reminding us to not speak in the presence of rulers and to not crave their delicacies. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, reminding us to exercise self-control in all aspects of our lives.
2. The Danger of Wealth and Materialism
Another prominent theme in Proverbs 23 is the danger of wealth and materialism. It warns against the pursuit of riches, as they can easily disappear and lead to poverty. It also reminds us not to envy the rich, as their wealth can be a trap and cause us to compromise our morals and values. Instead, we are encouraged to be content with what we have and to trust in God to provide for our needs.
3. The Importance of Discipline and Correction
Proverbs 23 also emphasizes the importance of discipline and correction. It reminds us that discipline is a sign of love and that we should not despise it. It also warns against being stubborn and refusing to listen to correction, as it will only lead to destruction. This theme highlights the importance of being open to learning and growing, even when it may be uncomfortable or difficult.
4. The Value of Wisdom and Understanding
Throughout Proverbs 23, there is a strong emphasis on the value of wisdom and understanding. It reminds us that wisdom is more valuable than gold and that understanding is better than silver. It also encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding above all else, as they will guide us in making wise decisions and living a righteous life.
5. The Importance of Relationships and Choosing Good Company
Proverbs 23 also stresses the importance of relationships and choosing good company. It warns against associating with those who are given to excess and who do not have our best interests at heart. Instead, we are encouraged to seek out wise and righteous friends who will help us grow in wisdom and understanding.
The overarching message of Proverbs 23 is to live with wisdom and discernment, avoiding the pitfalls of foolishness and wickedness. It reminds us to exercise self-control, to not chase after wealth and material possessions, and to be open to discipline and correction. It also highlights the value of wisdom and understanding, and the importance of choosing good company and cultivating healthy relationships.
This chapter also serves as a warning against the dangers of excess and indulgence. It reminds us that these things can lead us down a path of destruction and cause us to compromise our morals and values. Instead, we are encouraged to be content with what we have and to trust in God to provide for our needs.
Another important message in Proverbs 23 is the value of discipline and correction. It reminds us that discipline is a sign of love and that we should not despise it. In a world that often celebrates instant gratification and rejects accountability, this chapter serves as a reminder that discipline and correction are necessary for growth and maturity.
Ultimately, Proverbs 23 urges us to seek wisdom and understanding above all else. It reminds us that these qualities are more valuable than riches and that they will guide us in living a righteous life. By exercising self-control, being open to correction, and surrounding ourselves with wise and righteous friends, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and brings blessings to ourselves and those around us.
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