What does Proverbs 23:6 mean?

An earlier teaching (Proverbs 23:1–3) cautioned about taking hospitality for granted. There is danger in appearing greedy, as well as in failing to recognize when one is being bribed. Here, Solomon gives further advice about those who give with ill intent. That might mean those who give bitterly, holding a grudge, or those making an overt attempt to buy someone's favor. Verses 6 through 8 warn about this kind of host.

The Hebrew phrase ra' ā'yin can be literally translated as "an evil eye." This figure of speech only appears here and in Proverbs 28:22, as well as its mirror image in Proverbs 22:9. The wording implies someone who gives with ulterior motives or cynicism. This kind of host might be obsessed with how much his generosity costs. Or he's offering hospitality with the explicit goal of getting something in return. Many a business deal is transacted over lunch. While that's not immoral in and of itself, it's spiritually dangerous if the host treats his guest so that he can gain his business. It is hard to disappoint the host by refusing a proposal; this pressure is often part of the "game" of modern business.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul asked, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" (Galatians 3:1). He believed false teachers had placed them under the spell of an evil eye. They had done this by flattering the Galatians only to draw them away from the truth and captivate them with a false gospel (Galatians 1:6–7; 4:17).