The Sayings of the Wise – Part 7

THIRTY SAYINGS OF THE WISE

SAYING NUMBER SEVEN

“When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.” (Proverbs 23:1–3, NIV)

This “saying” that should be heeded by the wise has something to do with over-indulging. “The expression "put a knife to your throat" (v.2) means "to curb your appetite" or "to control yourself".[1]  A careful observation of the saying calls the wise to “note well what is before you”.  Also there is a warning that the “food is deceptive”.   There seems to be some sense that one is sitting with the ruler and a test (either overtly or covertly) is going on.  The ruler is going to learn something from your unwise over-indulgence or your wise self-control.  What might he learn?

“Certainly a ruler would look for someone who is not ruled by appetite (cf. 23:20–21), for such a person will show integrity and diligence in work.”^[2] “The dainties are deceitful meat when given by an insincere host. To enjoy them is to place oneself in serious danger.”^[3]   Likewise the distribution of rich foods and an elegant fare can possibly entrap a servant into a sense of obligation where they might perform duties that they wouldn’t normally do.  Gifts and favors can sometimes be used by the unscrupulous to exercise control over others. 

So whether the servant is being tested as to his or her character or is being manipulated by a dodgy leader, the exhortation is the same: take careful note of what is before you and at all cost exercise self-control. 

We are to be cautious when we are in the presence of influential people.  Several years ago I was courted by a politician.  He laid before me the potentiality of an office in the Provincial government, with an impressive job description, an important portfolio and a task of great significance. Thankfully I looked at his offer very prayerfully and carefully.  Thankfully I exercised self-discipline and said no.  The end result as I observed years later would have been disastrous.  I would have been in the pocket of a highly manipulative, political individual.  We need to exercise caution in the presence of influential people.

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[1] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Proverbs/Exposition of Proverbs/IV. The Sayings of the Wise (22:17-24:34)/A. Thirty Precepts of the Sages (22:17-24:22), Book Version: 4.0.2

^[2] Koptak, P. E. (2003). Proverbs (p. 545). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

^[3] Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 1240). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.