PROVERBS Chapter 23
Discomforts Of The Social Heights “The perspiring social climber is gently chaffed, in three loosely connected paragraphs” (Kidner p. 151). 23:1-3 The expression, “put a knife to your throat”, means to curb your appetite or control yourself (like “bite your tongue”). “What you say and do at a banquet or elegant dinner tells others what kind of person you are. The ruler who hosts a dinner has a sharp eye on his guests. Some are so awed by the elegant surroundings and rich array of food that they will probably miss out on the real purpose of the evening. Others will overeat, thereby revealing greed and overindulgence. Wise men, however, will eat with moderation and restraint, constantly aware of what the host is asking of them” (Alden pp. 167-168). The food at such a banquet is called “deceptive”, because the ruler simply isn’t hosting a party. Nothing is free, and the ruler is probably wanting something from you, whether it is information or a favor. “The banquet may be a butteringup occasion” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 956). “The rich do not give away their favors for free. They want something in return, and it is generally much more than what they have invested” (Garrett p. 195). The verse serves as a warning to those who long to be around the rich and powerful. It is a reminder that the stakes can be very high in such a crowd and the games that they play can be very dangerous. 23:4-5 Here is a warning against overwork for the sake of getting rich. “This speaks not against being industrious but against consuming oneself for money” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 956). Remember, this was said by a wealthy man! The word “consideration” literally means, “to let one’s eye fly toward it”. “But the wealth itself can fly like the eagle and thus outstrip all attempts to capture it” (Garrett p. 195). Compare with 1 Timothy 6:7-10, 17. “Wealth is not less elusive than social prestige” (Kidner p. 151). “Even though a man may become exhausted trying to get rich, what he has amassed could disappear by tomorrow” (Alden p. 168). Unfortunately, in our society many people would argue, “but we have solved the problems of financial instability”. In addition, many people feel that wealth is the equivalent of morality. Getting rich in many multi-level market companies is virtually presented as a religion or a moral achievement.