Short answer: Proverbs 23 continues the wisdom instruction with sayings about self-control, diligence, and the dangers of excess. The chapter warns against gluttony and drunkenness, urges the pursuit of truth and wisdom, and emphasizes the importance of discipline in child-rearing. It contains vivid warnings about the deceptive nature of wine and the dangers of associating with those who indulge in excess. The chapter calls the reader to apply their heart to instruction and their ears to words of knowledge.
The setting of the passage
Proverbs 23 continues the thirty sayings of the wise with an emphasis on self-control, diligence, and the dangers of excess. The chapter warns against gluttony when dining with a ruler: put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. The warning is about self-control in the presence of temptation and the deceptive nature of luxury.
The chapter contains a vivid warning against the pursuit of wealth: 'Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.' Wealth is fleeting and unreliable. The pursuit of wealth as an end in itself is foolish because riches can disappear as quickly as they come.
The chapter teaches about discipline and instruction. Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will be glad. The discipline of children is an expression of love and a means of saving them from destructive paths.
The chapter includes one of the most vivid warnings against drunkenness: 'Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine, those who go to try mixed wine.' The description of the effects of drunkenness is unforgettable — it leads to woe, sorrow, strife, and confusion.
When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you; put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite. Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food. Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies: for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words. Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.
Proverbs 23:1-11 (World English Bible)
Key words and their meaning
Appetite (nephesh) in verse 2 describes soul or throat. If you are given to appetite, put a knife to your throat — control your desires.
Wings (kanaph) in verse 5 describes the wings of a bird. Wealth sprouts wings and flies away — riches are fleeting and unreliable.
Woe (oy) in verse 29 describes pain and sorrow. Who has woe? Those who tarry long over wine — drunkenness leads to misery.
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol. My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine. Yes, my heart will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Don’t let your heart envy sinners, but rather fear Yahweh all day long. Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path! Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat: for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Proverbs 23:12-21 (World English Bible)
What the passage claims
First, do not toil to acquire wealth; it sprouts wings and flies away. Wealth is fleeting and unreliable.
Second, do not withhold discipline from a child. Loving discipline saves children from destructive paths.
Third, who has woe? Those who tarry long over wine. Drunkenness leads to misery and ruin.
Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice! My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways. For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men. Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine. Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things. Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging: “They hit me, and I was not hurt! They beat me, and I don’t feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another.”
Proverbs 23:22-35 (World English Bible)
Where readers disagree
The warning about wealth has been discussed. The image of wealth sprouting wings is a vivid reminder of the fleeting nature of riches.
The discipline of children has been discussed. The language of 'striking with a rod' is interpreted variously across Christian traditions.
The description of drunkenness has been discussed. The vivid imagery of woe, sorrow, and wounds is a powerful warning against alcohol abuse.
When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you; put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite. Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food. Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies: for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words. Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.
Proverbs 23:1-11 (World English Bible)
How this passage connects to the gospel
The wisdom of Proverbs 23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament presents Christ as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Everything that Proverbs celebrates about wisdom — its value, its role in creation, its practical guidance for life — is embodied in Christ.
In Jesus, believers see the perfect embodiment of the wisdom that Proverbs commends. He lived in perfect fear of the Lord, trusted the Father completely, and walked in the path of righteousness. The call to get wisdom is ultimately a call to know Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
For Christians, the practical instruction of Proverbs is not mere moralism but is empowered by the gospel. The same Spirit who inspired the proverbs works in believers to produce the character and conduct that wisdom describes. The fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom is the reverent love that the gospel produces in the hearts of God's people.
The warnings in this chapter against folly, temptation, and sin find their answer in the grace of God through Christ. Where the wisdom of Proverbs warns, the gospel provides both the warning and the remedy. Christ not only teaches wisdom but also forgives the foolish and gives the Spirit to enable wise living.
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol. My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine. Yes, my heart will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Don’t let your heart envy sinners, but rather fear Yahweh all day long. Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path! Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat: for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Proverbs 23:12-21 (World English Bible)
Biblical fidelity check
Proverbs 23 is theologically sound and consistent with the broader biblical witness. The book's emphasis on the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom is a foundational theme of Scripture. The practical instruction of Proverbs is grounded in the character of God and his moral order. The New Testament affirms and deepens the wisdom tradition, presenting Christ as the wisdom of God and calling believers to walk in wisdom.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main message of Proverbs 23?
The main message of Proverbs 23 is that apply your heart to instruction. The chapter teaches that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom and that wise living leads to blessing and life.
How does Proverbs 23 point to Christ?
Proverbs 23 points to Christ because the New Testament presents Jesus as the wisdom of God. Everything that Proverbs says about wisdom — its value, its role in creation, its practical guidance — is embodied in Christ. Jesus perfectly exemplified the wisdom that Proverbs commends.
How does Proverbs 23 apply to Christians today?
Proverbs 23 applies to believers today by providing practical instruction for daily life. The fear of the Lord remains the foundation of wisdom for Christians. The warnings against folly and temptation are as relevant today as when they were written. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in the wisdom that Proverbs describes.
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