Proverbs 23:3 kjv
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
Proverbs 23:3 nkjv
Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.
Proverbs 23:3 niv
Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
Proverbs 23:3 esv
Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.
Proverbs 23:3 nlt
don't desire all the delicacies,
for he might be trying to trick you.
Proverbs 23 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 23:1-2 | When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you... | Context: Caution when associating with rulers. |
| Prov 23:6-8 | Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy... for he is like one who calculates. | Beware of a deceptive or ill-motivated host. |
| Ps 141:4 | Incline not my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work in iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies! | Seeking divine protection from wicked influences and their allure. |
| Gen 3:1-6 | But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die... pleasant to the eyes, and to be desired...” | The temptation of something outwardly desirable but internally deadly. |
| Matt 4:8-10 | Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. | Satan's deceptive offer of power/glory. |
| Luke 12:15 | Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. | Warning against covetous desire. |
| 1 Tim 6:9-10 | But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare... | The dangers of desires leading to destruction. |
| James 1:14-15 | But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. | Desire as the root of sin and death. |
| Phil 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their stomach... | Warning against those whose god is their appetite/worldly desires. |
| 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh...—is not from the Father... | Worldly desires, including pleasures, are fleeting and not from God. |
| Heb 12:16 | That no one is immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. | Giving up spiritual birthright for temporary physical pleasure. |
| Rom 13:14 | But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. | Warning against catering to fleshly desires. |
| Prov 4:14-15 | Do not enter the path of the wicked; do not walk in the way of evildoers. | Warning to avoid association with evil paths. |
| Prov 22:7 | The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. | Warning against financial entanglement that leads to subjugation. |
| John 6:27 | Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life. | Seeking spiritual sustenance over physical. |
| Deut 8:3 | Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. | Life's true sustenance is spiritual, not material. |
| 2 Cor 11:13-15 | For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. | Warning about deceptive appearances and false teachers. |
| Col 2:8 | See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit... | Warning against captivating but empty philosophies. |
| Matt 16:26 | For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? | The ultimate cost of worldly gain or temptation. |
| Ps 37:16 | Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. | Prioritizing righteousness over material gain from unjust sources. |
| Rev 18:11-13 | The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their cargo anymore... and cinnamon, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat... | Worldly luxury and trade are transient and subject to judgment. |
Proverbs 23 verses
Proverbs 23 3 Meaning
Proverbs 23:3 warns against an unbridled desire for the rich fare offered by a powerful or significant host, because such food, though seemingly desirable, is ultimately deceitful or a means of manipulation. It suggests that accepting such 'delicacies' comes with hidden costs or dangerous implications, leading one into compromise or spiritual harm rather than true benefit.
Proverbs 23 3 Context
Proverbs chapter 23 offers practical wisdom and ethical instructions from a father to his son, often warning against dangers associated with wealth, power, and vice. Specifically, verses 1-3 deal with the delicate situation of dining with a ruler or person of authority. This instruction comes after general wisdom concerning the path of life and integrity. Historically and culturally, sharing a meal was a significant act, often signifying alliance, trust, or a covenant. To accept food, especially from a powerful host, could imply obligation, endorsement, or even compromise one's moral stance. The chapter’s warning about "deceptive food" is a direct polemic against the superficial allure of luxury and the false sense of security or advantage that association with powerful but potentially unscrupulous individuals might offer. It underscores the danger of hidden agendas behind hospitality.
Proverbs 23 3 Word analysis
- Do not crave: From the Hebrew negative imperative אַל־ (al-) "not" and the verb תִתְאָו (titha’av), derived from the root אָוָה ('avah), meaning "to long for," "to desire strongly," "to covet." This is a powerful prohibition against a deep, almost lustful yearning. It implies not just refraining from eating but suppressing the inner desire for what is offered.
- his delicacies: From the Hebrew לְמַטְעַמֹּתָיו (l’maṭ‘ammothāyw), where לְ (le) means "to/for" and מַטְעַמִּים (mat‘ammim) refers to rich, highly desirable, palatable dishes or dainties, usually associated with feasts of the wealthy or powerful. This word specifically points to gourmet food, signifying luxury and prestige. It emphasizes that the temptation is not just ordinary food but something exceedingly appealing and exclusive.
- for they are: The conjunction כִּי (ki) here translates as "for" or "because," introducing the reason for the warning. הוּא (hū’) means "he/it is," referring back to the delicacies.
- deceptive food: The Hebrew is לֶחֶם כְּזָבִים (lechem k'zavim), literally "bread of lies" or "food of falsehoods."
- לֶחֶם (lechem): Means "bread," but often refers generally to "food" or a "meal."
- כְּזָבִים (k'zavim): Plural of כָּזָב (kâzâv), meaning "lie," "falsehood," "deceit."This phrase indicates that the food itself is a snare, designed to trick or entrap. It’s not physically poisonous food, but morally or ethically hazardous food. It suggests that consuming it will lead to unforeseen negative consequences, hidden obligations, spiritual compromise, or entanglement in the host's sinister plans.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- Do not crave his delicacies: This phrase acts as a direct command against giving in to the allure of worldly opulence and perceived privilege that comes from association with powerful, but potentially unrighteous, individuals. It underscores the danger of letting one's desires lead one into compromising positions.
- for they are deceptive food: This clause explains why the craving is dangerous. The "deceptive food" metaphor points to the underlying deceit, hidden agenda, or potential cost associated with what appears to be a generous offering. The meal is not merely physical sustenance but a tool of influence or a trap for moral entanglement, demanding something in return or leading one astray.
Proverbs 23 3 Bonus section
The concept of "deceptive food" (לֶחֶם כְּזָבִים) speaks to the subtle nature of temptation. It's often presented not as obvious evil, but as something good, pleasurable, or beneficial. This makes the temptation harder to discern and resist. The warning is not against food itself, nor against fellowship with leaders in all contexts, but against the inner appetite that covets advantage from powerful individuals, leading to a forfeiture of wisdom and righteousness. It encourages an acute awareness of the "spirit" behind the "gift," emphasizing that what appears to nourish can, in fact, ensnare the soul. This verse reinforces the wisdom principle of valuing integrity and freedom in Christ above worldly gains or comforts offered through unrighteous means.
Proverbs 23 3 Commentary
Proverbs 23:3 delivers a profound warning extending beyond mere table etiquette to deeper ethical and spiritual discernment. It is not just a caution against gluttony, but against the hidden costs of worldly indulgence and the subtle manipulation employed by those in positions of power. The "delicacies" represent anything highly desirable offered by another with potentially ulterior motives – be it wealth, status, opportunity, or favor. These offerings, though outwardly appealing and satisfying, are likened to "deceptive food" or "bread of lies." They promise much but deliver entanglement, moral compromise, or even ruin.
This verse admonishes against allowing personal desire or a lust for luxury to override wisdom and caution. Accepting such 'food' might lead to indebtedness, silent approval of injustice, or loss of integrity. It's a call for spiritual vigilance, recognizing that not all generosity is pure and that what the world offers as attractive often carries a price tag far greater than its apparent value.
For practical usage, this means discerning motives behind generous offers, questioning easy paths to success, and resisting the urge to compromise convictions for worldly gain. Examples could include resisting the temptation to accept a job offer from an unethical company for its high salary, accepting a 'gift' that creates an expectation of ungodly favors, or chasing fleeting trends that compromise one's walk with God.