Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 23
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Proverbs 23
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Proverbs 23
"When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee;" — Proverbs 23:1 (ASV)
Consider diligently what is before thee,— Rather, Who is before you; that your host is not an equal, but one who, if offended, might do you deadly harm.
"And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite." — Proverbs 23:2 (ASV)
And put a knife to thy throat— Use the strongest methods to keep your appetite in check, if you are likely to give way to it, and then, overcome by meat and drink, to say or do anything to offend your host.
"Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food." — Proverbs 23:3 (ASV)
Deceitful meat.— Not offered out of friendship and love to you; for an unguarded word spoken in the insecurity of the festive hour might bring ruin to you.
"Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom." — Proverbs 23:4 (ASV)
Cease from thine own wisdom.— Cleverness shown in piling up wealth.
"Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For [riches] certainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven." — Proverbs 23:5 (ASV)
They fly away.— Rather, As an eagle that flies toward heaven, far beyond your reach.
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