Proverbs 23 - Printer Friendly

In the previous chapter, Solomon introduced a series of thirty wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) which he endorses yet did not necessarily write himself. The first five were found in chapter 22; the sixth through eighteenth are in this passage.

Greed and gluttony are dangerous, even when enjoying the hospitality of a host. It's important not to appear to take undue advantage of the host's generosity. At the same time, one should be careful not to allow generosity to sway good judgment. A cynical, manipulative host should be avoided since their charity is just a pretext for a bribe. Wealth, itself, is tempting, but part of godly wisdom is knowing when to stop chasing profit. This segment repeats warnings about fraud, in the form of moving boundary markers, and the pointless exercise of trying to educate a hard-headed fool (Proverbs 23:1–11).

Next are reminders about the value of proper child discipline. In this context, the intent is to help children learn to make good choices, in tune with God's will (Proverbs 1:7). Those who grow into adults, and who follow such teachings, bring their parents joy. As part of that perspective, Solomon encourages the reader not to be jealous of those who engage in sin—their hope is limited, while those who honor God can look forward to eternity. The passage warns about being associated with people who lack self-control. Not only will their immorality influence others, but they can also cause collateral damage with their poor choices (Proverbs 23:12–25).

In the same way, sexual sins should be taken seriously and avoided. The danger of lust is compared to a trap, or to an ambush from a robber. This advice is followed by the Bible's most extensive, detailed warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse. Over-consumption leads to personal woes, side effects, and a host of other dangers. While Scripture does not forbid all use of alcohol, it clearly labels drunkenness as a sin (Ephesians 5:18). The Bible also explains in direct terms what can happen when someone consumes alcohol carelessly (Proverbs 23:26–35).

Proverbs 23:1–11 continues a set of wise sayings recorded by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). This passage contains many wise sayings framed mainly as negative commands: beginning with the words, "Do not." These statements are longer than the succinct suggestions which make up most of the book of Proverbs. Solomon addresses matters such as cautious skepticism towards one's host, avoiding addiction to work, and integrity before both men and God.

Proverbs 23:26–35 contains a portion of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). In verse 26, he again pleads for his words to be heard. The warnings given here are more extensive than most others in this book. The first sounds an alarm about sexual temptation, comparing it to a trap or an ambush. The second goes to great lengths discouraging drunkenness, because of its effects and the danger of addiction.

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.