Proverbs 23:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

NIV: Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

NASB: Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food.

CSB: don’t desire his choice food, for that food is deceptive.

NLT: don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.

KJV: Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

NKJV: Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.

This is the last part of a wise teaching endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). When treated to dinner by a host, he commends self-control. In the first part of this teaching, the emphasis was on not appearing greedy in front of the host (Proverbs 23:1–2). Using poetic exaggeration, it warned against being careless and appearing to take undue advantage of someone's hospitality.

Here, another reason for cautious skepticism is given. It's possible that a host might use lavish generosity to lull someone into a false sense of security. They might be offering a subtle bribe or attempting to sway a guest's opinions. Solomon warns his student not to be deceived by whatever luxuries are offered. Instead, one should be grateful for generous hospitality without being gullible or easily swayed.

Like the dinner host of this proverb, the Devil often tempts victims with what appears to be highly desirable. When a victim takes the bait, the Devil springs the trap and enslaves the victim in sin (James 1:14–15; 1 Peter 5:8). In the dawn of human history, the Devil tempted Eve by questioning that God had placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil off limits (Genesis 3:1–2). He denied that death would come to Eve if she partook of the tree (Genesis 3:4) and said partaking would make her like God (Genesis 3:5). When Eve saw that the fruit was edible, beautiful, and could bestow knowledge, she ate, and gave some to Adam (Genesis 3:6). The trap closed, and death ensued (Genesis 3:19).

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.

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.