Here’s my insights on Proverbs 23.
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
I need to work on portion control. My weight is getting out of control. However, this scripture applies to any action all the time. Do everything in moderation.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Enjoy the material possessions God has given you, be happy for those who have more.
6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man,
do not crave his delicacies;7 for he is the kind of man
who is always thinking about the cost.
“Eat and drink,” he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and will have wasted your compliments.
I try to be generous. I am still working on the muscles to get rid of my selfishness and stinginess.
9 Do not speak to a fool,
for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.
This scripture reminds me of avoiding giving pearls to pigs. Use your time wisely and move on from working with fools.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,11 for their Defender is strong;
he will take up their case against you.
Be honorable and don’t cheat God’s people- that means everyone.
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.14 Punish him with the rod
and save his soul from death.
Apply what you learn or be punished. I need to discipline my body now.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
Live a wise life and God will bless you and those around you.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.
Obey the Lord’s commands and stick to the right path.
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Drink and eat in moderation.
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Respect your parents.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
I’m working on this. I don’t quite understand what it means by “don’t sell truth.” Can anyone help me out?
24 The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.25 May your father and mother be glad;
may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Children are your ultimate legacy, teach them well. Be a good child and bring your parents happiness.
26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes keep to my ways,27 for a prostitute is a deep pit
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.28 Like a bandit she lies in wait,
and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
Be faithful to your wife.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.33 Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind imagine confusing things.34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?”
Take alcohol in moderation.
The proverbs found in chapter 23 seem to be mostly on moderation and respecting your parents.
My action item for the day: Portion control. Eat 3/4th of what I normally eat.
Photo: KayVee.INC