CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 23:3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_23_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:3 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/23-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/23-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/23-2.htm" title="Proverbs 23:2">◄</a> Proverbs 23:3 <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm" title="Proverbs 23:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be not desirous of his dainties: for they <i>are</i> deceitful meat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies, For they <i>are</i> deceptive food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies, For it is bread of falsehood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food [offered to you with questionable motives].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />don’t desire his choice food, for that food is deceptive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />don&#8217t desire his choice food, for that food is deceptive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be greedy for all of that fancy food! It may not be so tasty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Be not desirous of his dainties; seeing they are deceitful meat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not crave his delicacies, because this is food that deceives you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't be greedy for the fine food he serves; he may be trying to trick you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't crave his delicacies, because the meal is deceptive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not crave that ruler's delicacies, for that food is deceptive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not be desirous of his dainties, seeing they are deceitful food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Have no desire to his delicacies, seeing it [is] lying food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Have no desire to his dainties, seeing it is lying food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not long for his dainties: and it is the bread of lies.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Be not desirous of his meats, in which is the bread of deceit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not desire his foods, in which is the bread of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not desire his delicacies; it is food that deceives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not desire the ruler’s delicacies, for they are deceptive food.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Be not desirous of his food; for his bread is bread of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And do not lust for his food because his bread is the bread of lies.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />desire not his provisions; for these belong to a false life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4599" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8376.htm" title="8376: tiṯ·ʾå̄w (V-Hitpael-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- Probably to mark out. A primitive root; to mark off, i.e. designate.">crave</a> <a href="/hebrew/4303.htm" title="4303: lə·maṭ·‘am·mō·w·ṯāw (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Tasty or savory food, dainties. Or matiammah; from ta'am; a delicacy.">his delicacies,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">for that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-msc) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">food</a> <a href="/hebrew/3577.htm" title="3577: kə·zā·ḇîm (N-mp) -- A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing. From kazab; falsehood; literally or figuratively.">is deceptive.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Psalm 141:4</a></span><br />Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">Daniel 1:8</a></span><br />But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-21.htm">1 Corinthians 10:21</a></span><br />You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a></span><br />So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Matthew 6:13</a></span><br />And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a></span><br />Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a></span><br />When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4-6</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? / We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. / But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Deuteronomy 8:3</a></span><br />He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-37.htm">Psalm 119:37</a></span><br />Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2</a></span><br />Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Proverbs 23:6</a></b></br> Eat thou not the bread of <i>him that hath</i> an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Psalm 141:4</a></b></br> Incline not my heart to <i>any</i> evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">Daniel 1:8</a></b></br> But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Crave</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Dainties</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Deceitful</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Deceptive</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Delicacies</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Delicate</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-2.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/psalms/17-12.htm">Desirous</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-2.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-2.htm">Meat</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Crave</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Dainties</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Deceitful</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Deceptive</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Delicacies</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Delicate</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/mark/8-34.htm">Desirous</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Meat</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not crave his delicacies</b><br>This phrase warns against the temptation of indulging in the luxuries offered by those in power or wealth. In biblical times, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and agreement. The delicacies of a ruler or wealthy person could symbolize the allure of worldly pleasures and the temptation to compromise one's values for material gain. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of caution against covetousness and the love of money, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>, which warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The delicacies can also be seen as a metaphor for the seductive nature of sin, which often appears attractive but leads to spiritual harm.<p><b>for that food is deceptive</b><br>The deception of the food highlights the idea that what seems appealing and beneficial on the surface may have hidden dangers. In the historical context, accepting food from a ruler could imply loyalty or obligation, potentially leading to moral compromise. This reflects the biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a>, which states that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. The deceptive nature of the food can also be seen as a type of the deceitfulness of sin, which promises satisfaction but ultimately leads to destruction. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus warns against the leaven of the Pharisees, which represents hypocrisy and false teaching (<a href="/matthew/16-6.htm">Matthew 16:6</a>). The caution here is to remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing that not all that glitters is gold, and to seek wisdom from God to navigate the complexities of life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king's_table.htm">The King’s Table</a></b><br>- The context of this proverb suggests a setting where one might be dining with a ruler or someone of high status, symbolizing temptation and the allure of worldly pleasures.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temptation_of_delicacies.htm">The Temptation of Delicacies</a></b><br>- Represents the broader theme of temptation and the deceptive nature of indulgence in worldly pleasures.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_desires.htm">Discernment in Desires</a></b><br>We must exercise discernment in our desires, recognizing that not all that appears appealing is beneficial or aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_nature_of_worldly_pleasures.htm">The Deceptive Nature of Worldly Pleasures</a></b><br>Worldly pleasures can be deceptive, often leading us away from spiritual truth and integrity. We must be vigilant in identifying and resisting these temptations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_integrity_over_indulgence.htm">Spiritual Integrity Over Indulgence</a></b><br>Like Daniel, we should prioritize spiritual integrity over indulgence in worldly pleasures, making choices that honor God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a> reminds us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. This includes being cautious about what we allow to entice us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god's_provision.htm">Contentment in God’s Provision</a></b><br>Finding contentment in what God provides helps us resist the allure of excess and the deception of worldly riches.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_anyone_fully_embody_proverbs_31.htm">How can one person realistically fulfill all the ideal qualities described in Proverbs 31:10-31 without ever falling short?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_proverbs_31_an_ideal,_not_a_standard.htm">Could Proverbs 31:10-31 be more of a cultural ideal rather than an achievable standard, considering other biblical teachings on human imperfection?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_20_1_align_with_alcohol_research.htm">Proverbs 20:1 labels wine as deceptive--how does this align with modern research suggesting moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_many_christian_leaders_scandalous.htm">Why have so many Christian leaders been involved in sexual scandals and financial fraud?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Deceitful meat.--</span>Not offered out of friendship and love to thee; for an unguarded word spoken in the insecurity of the festive hour might bring ruin to thee.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Be not desirous of his dainties.</span> (For "dainties," see on ver. 6.) Be not too greedy of the bounties of the royal table, so as to forget discretion, and be led to say and do things which are inexpedient or unseemly. <span class="cmt_word">For</span> <span class="cmt_word">they are deceitful meat.</span> Oftentimes such entertainment is not offered for friendship's sake, but for some sinister purpose - to make a man expose himself, to get at a man's real character or secrets. Far from being a sign of favour and good will, the seeming honour is deceptive and dangerous. We all know Horace's lines, 'Ars Poet.,' 434, etc. - <p><span class="foreign">"Reges dicuntur multi, urgere culullis<br />Et torquere mero, quem perspexisse laborant,<br />Au sit amicitia dignus."</span> Hitzig quotes the Eastern proverb, "He who eats of the sultan's soup burns his lips, even though it he after a length of time." We have too the Indian saying, "An epicure digs his grave with his teeth," which is true in more senses than one. "Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill," says Siracides (Ecclus. 9:13); "so shalt thou not be troubled with fear of death: and if thou come unto him, commit no fault, lest he presently take away thy life; remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest upon the battlements of the city." Then for the reasons which induce a ruler to ply a guest with wine, we have, "In vino veritas, quod est in corde sobrii, est in ore ebrii." Theognis writes - <p><span class="greek">Ἐν πυρὶ μὲν χρυσόν τε καὶ ἄργυρον ἴδριες ἄνδρες</span><br /><span class="greek">Γιγνώσκους ἀνδρὸς δ οϊνος ἔδειξε νόον</span><br /><span class="greek">Καὶ μάλα περ πινυτοῦ τὸν ὐπέρ μέτρον ἤρατο πίνων</span><br /><span class="greek">Ωστε καταισχῦναι καὶ πρὶν ἐόντα σοφόν</span>. The Septuagint combines the ending of ver. 2, "But if thou art more insatiable, desire not his victuals, for these appertain to (<span class="greek">ἔχεται</span>) a false life." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">crave</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּ֭תְאָו‪‬‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(tiṯ·’āw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_183.htm">Strong's 183: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his delicacies,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַטְעַמּוֹתָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(lə·maṭ·‘am·mō·w·ṯāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4303.htm">Strong's 4303: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tasty or savory food, dainties</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for that</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝ה֗וּא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">food</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶ֣חֶם</span> <span class="translit">(le·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> </span><span class="str2">Food, bread, grain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is deceptive.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּזָבִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(kə·zā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3577.htm">Strong's 3577: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-3.htm">Proverbs 23:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-3.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:3 Don't be desirous of his dainties seeing (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>