Proverbs - Chapter 23

Proverbs 23.1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: Proverbs 23.2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Proverbs 23.3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Proverbs 23.4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 23.5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23.6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: Proverbs 23.7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23.8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. Proverbs 23.9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Proverbs 23.10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: Proverbs 23.11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. Proverbs 23.12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. Proverbs 23.13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Proverbs 23.14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Proverbs 23.15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Proverbs 23.16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. Proverbs 23.17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. Proverbs 23.18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Proverbs 23.19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Proverbs 23.20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: Proverbs 23.21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Proverbs 23.22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Proverbs 23.23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Proverbs 23.24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Proverbs 23.25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. Proverbs 23.26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23.27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. Proverbs 23.28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. Proverbs 23.29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? Proverbs 23.30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Proverbs 23.31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. Proverbs 23.32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Proverbs 23.33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Proverbs 23.34 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. Proverbs 23.35 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 : Chapter 23

Reflections on Proverbs Chapter 23

Proverbs chapter 23 warns of the dangers of greed and excess. In a world filled with temptations, how can we maintain our integrity? This insightful text addresses crucial topics such as moderation in eating and drinking, seeking wisdom over wealth, and the importance of honoring one's parents.

Self-Control and Discipline

This chapter offers advice on self-control, discipline, and avoiding destructive addictions. Proverbs 23 emphasizes the need for constant vigilance over our desires and actions. By meditating on these verses, we discover fundamental principles that guide us in our daily lives.

Key Verses to Meditate On

Let's consider five crucial verses that reveal the warnings and advice of this chapter:

Conclusion

As we meditate on these verses and on Proverbs 23, we are called to a deep reflection on our behavior and choices. May these teachings guide us to a life of wisdom, honor, and moderation, while remaining vigilant against the temptations of the world.