Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 23

Introduction

CHAPTER 23

:-.

Verse 1

1. Avoid the dangers of gluttony.

Verse 2

2. put a knife—an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.

Verse 3

3. are deceitful meat—though well tasted, injurious.

Verse 4

4, 5. (Compare 1 Timothy 6:9; 1 Timothy 6:10).

thine own wisdom—which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.

Verse 5

5. Wilt . . . eyes—As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.

Verse 6

6-8. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted.

evil eye—or purpose (Proverbs 22:9; Deuteronomy 15:9; Matthew 6:23).

Verse 8

8. The morsel . . . words—that is, disgusted with his true character, all pleasant intercourse will be destroyed.

Verse 9

9. (Compare :-). "Cast not your pearls before swine" ( :-).

Verse 10

10, 11. (Compare Proverbs 22:22; Proverbs 22:23).

Verse 11

11. redeemer—or avenger (Leviticus 25:25; Leviticus 25:26; Numbers 35:12), hence advocate (Numbers 35:12- :).

plead . . . thee—(Compare Job 31:21; Psalms 35:1; Psalms 68:5).

Verse 12

12. Here begins another series of precepts.

Verse 13

13, 14. While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.

Verse 15

15, 16. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.

Verse 16

16. my reins—(Compare :-).

Verse 17

17, 18. (Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.

Verse 18

18. an end—or, "hereafter," another time, when apparent inequalities shall be adjusted (compare Psalms 37:28-38).

Verse 19

19-21. guide . . . way—or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Proverbs 4:4; Proverbs 9:6).

Verse 20

20. riotous . . . flesh—prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of "their flesh" (compare Margin), better, "flesh to them," that is, used for pleasure.

Verse 21

21. drowsiness—the dreamy sleep of the slothful.

Verse 22

22. Hearken—that is, obey (Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1).

despise . . . old—Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.

Verse 23

23. Buy—literally, "get" (Proverbs 4:5).

truth—generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.

Verse 24

24, 25. (Compare Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 17:21; Proverbs 17:25).

Verse 26

26-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness (Hosea 4:11).

give me—This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented (Proverbs 8:1; Proverbs 9:3, c.).

heart—confidence.

observe—keep.

my ways—such as I teach you (Proverbs 3:17 Proverbs 9:6).

Verse 27

27, 28. deep ditch—a narrow pit, out of which it is hard to climb.

lieth in wait—to ensnare men into the pit, as hunters entrap game (compare :-).

Verse 28

28. increaseth . . . transgressors— (Proverbs 5:8-10). The vice alluded to is peculiarly hardening to the heart.

Verse 29

29, 30. This picture is often sadly realized now.

mixed wine—(Compare Proverbs 9:2; Isaiah 5:11).

Verse 31

31. when . . . red—the color denoting greater strength (compare Genesis 49:11; Deuteronomy 32:14).

giveth . . . cup—literally, "gives its eye," that is, sparkles.

moveth . . . aright—Perhaps its foaming is meant.

Verse 32

32. The acute miseries resulting from drunkenness contrasted with the temptations.

Verse 33

33, 34. The moral effects: it inflames passion (Genesis 19:31; Genesis 19:35), lays open the heart, produces insensibility to the greatest dangers, and debars from reformation, under the severest sufferings.

Verse 35

35. awake—that is, from drunkenness (Genesis 9:24). This is the language rather of acts than of the tongue.