Proverbs 23:7 kjv

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Proverbs 23:7 nkjv

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

Proverbs 23:7 niv

for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

Proverbs 23:7 esv

for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

Proverbs 23:7 nlt

They are always thinking about how much it costs.
"Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it.

Proverbs 23 verses

Proverbs 23 7 Meaning

Proverbs 23:7 is a profound statement about the intimate connection between one's internal state and their true being, particularly in the context of interactions with others. The verse presents two closely related but distinct parts. The first part, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he," conveys that a person's inner thoughts, attitudes, and intentions are the foundational elements of their character and actions; one truly is what they believe and cultivate in their inner self. The second part, "Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee," provides a concrete example of this principle, illustrating a hypocritical host who offers superficial hospitality while inwardly grudging the expense or disliking the guest, revealing an inconsistency between outward appearance and inward reality. Thus, the verse warns against engaging with those whose outward actions do not align with their genuine internal disposition, as their generosity is insincere and their character is deceptive.

Proverbs 23 7 Context

Proverbs 23 forms part of the "Sayings of the Wise," specifically addressing interactions with various types of people and situations that pose moral and ethical challenges. Verses 1-8 specifically deal with conduct at the table of a ruler or a person of influence, particularly concerning stingy hosts. Verse 6, "Eat not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats," immediately precedes verse 7, setting the stage for understanding the host's underlying disposition. This context clarifies that Proverbs 23:7 is not just a general psychological principle but a pointed warning against deceptive hospitality. The entire chapter emphasizes self-control, discernment, and avoiding pitfalls like drunkenness, gluttony, and moral decay, underscoring the importance of wisdom in practical living and interpersonal relationships.

Proverbs 23 7 Word analysis

• For as he: The Hebrew כִּי כְּמוֹ (ki kə·mō) translates to "for as, indeed like." This introduces a reason or an explanation for the preceding caution (verse 6), setting up a comparative or explanatory clause.
• thinketh/calculates: This is the highly significant and debated word, שַׁעַר (sha'ar).
  • One interpretation derives it from the root meaning "to calculate, to estimate, to measure." In this sense, the first clause means "For he is like one who calculates," referring to a stingy host who is constantly tallying the cost of the meal rather than extending genuine generosity. This reading fits directly with the immediate context of dealing with a mean-spirited host.
  • Another interpretation understands it as relating to thoughts or valuations, leading to the more general and commonly known rendering, "as he thinks in his heart." This highlights the person's internal mental disposition or estimation of things. This broader sense implies that one's thoughts shape one's essence.
• in his heart: The Hebrew word used here is בְּנַפְשׁוֹ (bə·nap̄·šō), from נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh). While "heart" (lev) is also a central biblical term for the inner person, nephesh signifies the whole person, soul, self, life-breath, or appetite. Thus, "in his nephesh" implies a deeper sense of internal being, covering thoughts, desires, and the very essence of who one is, beyond just emotion or thought processes, encompassing one's deepest character and motivation.
• so is he: The Hebrew כֶּן הוּא (ken hūʾ) means "so is he," "thus he is," or "so it is." This powerfully affirms the direct consequence: the person's true character and actions are fundamentally determined by their innermost thoughts, calculations, and being (nephesh).
• Eat and drink: Hebrew אֱכֹל וּשְׁתֵה (ʾĕ·ḵōl ū·štēh) is a direct invitation, imperative in form, showing an outward verbal act of hospitality.
• saith he to thee: Hebrew יֹאמַר לָךְ (yō·mar lāḵ) translates to "he will say to you." It points to the verbal promise or appearance of generosity.
• but his heart: The Hebrew וְלִבּוֹ (wə·lib·bō), using לֵב (lev), "heart." Unlike nephesh, lev specifically focuses on the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. It highlights the intentions and true affections of the host.
• is not with thee: Hebrew בַל עִמָּךְ (bal ʿim·māḵ), meaning "not with you." This expresses the fundamental dissonance between the outward offer and the inward reality. The host's mind and true desire are absent or contrary to the words spoken, exposing a profound insincerity.

Words-group analysis

• "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he": This phrase, whether understood as "calculates in his soul" or "thinks in his heart," articulates the core truth that a person's identity and behavior are ultimately shaped by their inner self—their thoughts, intentions, and disposition. It highlights that true being is an inside-out phenomenon. This inner reality is what God assesses (1 Sam 16:7), not merely outward display.
• "Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee": This second part exemplifies the principle by presenting a concrete case of hypocrisy. The spoken words are an invitation to fellowship and sustenance, but the true internal desire of the host is the opposite, perhaps grudging the cost or lacking genuine affection. It warns against superficial relationships and interactions where words do not match the heart's true condition, and it implicitly advises against receiving from such a person due to the contamination of their insincerity.

Proverbs 23 7 Bonus section

This verse implies that attempting to discern a person's character requires looking beyond their outward words and actions to understand their underlying motivations and true heart condition. For believers, this extends to self-examination: if we are "as we think," then aligning our thoughts with God's truth is foundational to spiritual transformation and integrity. It reinforces the idea that genuine worship, service, or relationships must stem from an authentic, engaged heart, not merely outward compliance. The insincere host's inner calculation reveals a spirit of selfishness that taints even acts of kindness. This principle can apply to anyone whose actions contradict their inner state, highlighting the danger of hypocrisy not only for the one receiving but for the one acting out of an impure heart. The wise person seeks consistency between their internal disposition and external behavior, mirroring God who looks upon the heart.

Proverbs 23 7 Commentary

Proverbs 23:7 is a critical lesson in discerning genuine character from mere appearance, emphasizing the profound connection between a person's inner thoughts and their true nature. The first part, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he," speaks to the power of one's inner world – their mindset, values, and intentions – in shaping who they fundamentally are. Whether "thinketh" implies deliberate calculation or deep-seated thought, it underscores that outward actions are merely manifestations of an inner state. One's spirit and thoughts forge their identity, making the cultivation of pure and wise thoughts paramount. The second part, "Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee," provides a tangible warning against a stingy or resentful host. This person offers hospitality with their lips but begrudges the guest in their heart, demonstrating a clear division between their words and their genuine disposition. The food offered by such a host, though seemingly kind, is tainted by their underlying animosity or greed. The lesson is twofold: nurture a genuine and sincere heart within yourself, and exercise discernment when dealing with others, especially those whose actions seem to contradict their unspoken motives. It teaches us to seek sincerity and avoid being ensnared by false generosity.