We ended yesterday in Chapter 22, with the Sixth Saying of the Wise, so now we will continue with the Thirty Sayings of the Wise in Proverbs Chapter 23. I looked at other versions of the Bible but so far I only see these sayings in the New International Version. I am going to keep researching this though. Let’s look at Proverbs 23 now.
Saying “No” To Gluttony
Saying #7 Verses 1-3
Be careful when you sit down to eat a fancy meal(with a king) that you do not given to gluttony. These foods are deceptive. Since most of us are not likely to eat with a king:), we can understand in our culture that we need to simply be careful and not live to eat. Some of these foods will be extra expensive and unhealthy for us. The main point though is to not be so consumed with eating!
Saying “No” To Temporary Wealth! Treasure Eternal Things Instead!
Saying #8 Verses 4-5
This is huge! Don’t be so consumed by a desire to be rich that we totally wear ourselves out physically, mentally, and in many ways. It can really damage us and our family when we don’t spend time with them. We need to focus on what matters for eternity, not on gaining wealth. Verse 5 states this well!” Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Wealth and riches are very temporary. Things of earth are temporary, things in heaven like our faith and our family are eternal.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21
Don’t Take From A Reluctant Giver
Saying #9 Verses 6-8
I think that is is an interesting saying! “Don’t take food from a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies…” They are always counting the cost! If a person does not care enough to give freely, then don’t take from them.”Eat and drink”, they say, but their heart really is not with you! This is interesting when I think of other ways that this can be applied. Scripture talks about giving freely, and that God loves a cheerful giver! These verses sound like the host is not a cheerful giver!
Don’t Speak To Fools
Saying #10 Verse 9
“Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” Throughout Proverbs, we have read to be careful or not to speak to fools at all. Fools are going to mock or scorn the wise words that we try to give them. I see in our current culture, so many people that do not want to hear wise counsel. Sometimes they do mock us. They pretend that what we say, does not apply anymore to life. If we know someone who takes all the wise counsel that we try and give and refuses to hear us, then don’t speak. It will frustrate us and will do no good to our relationship with them. It will actually hurt us when we are simply trying to help. They will have to learn by experiencing rough consequences, unfortunately.
Care About Your Commitments To Family
Saying #11 Verses 10-11
This saying pertains to not changing a contract or covenant that was formed many years ago with our ancestors. If we look at a will, a person was promised certain things by their family, so we should honor what was promised. This verse also mentions to not encroach on the fields of the fatherless. Honor and protect widows and orphans.
Listen And Learn
Saying #12 Verse 12
Apply yourself to learning. Put your heart into it! Care about listening when you are given information that you can use for your life. It is important!
Purpose for Disciplining Our Children
Saying #13 Verses 13-14
Don’t keep from disciplining a child. The next part of this verse does not mean that physical abuse is acceptable! “if you punish them with a rod, they will not die.” We do need to be careful how we discipline our children. Decide ahead of time, how we will discipline our children and don’t just react out of anger and physically injure them as a punishment.
The second verse states that we should punish them with a rod and it will save them from death. If they are punished, it will keep them from doing wrong that can lead them to death, spiritual or physical death(or both). I know that it is very easy to be angry with our kids when they do wrong, but we have to control our anger. We need to care more about their correction and how they learn and grow up, then whether we are mad at them, then take out our anger on them. Believe me, I am not a perfect parent. Our kids are now in their twenties and we have grandchildren too. There are many things that I wish I had done differently. I can only try and help new parents now as they raise their children.
Saying #14 Verses 15-16
I love these two verses! This is a parent speaking here, stating what they will be thankful for: if their son or daughter’s heart is wise and their lips speak what is right! The parents will rejoice and be glad! I feel the same way!
Saying #15 Verses 17-18
Don’t be jealous of sinners but be passionate(zealous) for the fear of the Lord! There is hope for you!!!! This hope won’t be cut off!
Listen and Be Wise, Son
Saying #16 Verses 19-21
“Listen, my son, and be wise,
Proverbs 23:19-21
and set your heart on the right path:
Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,
for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them.”
Some more great things to tell our kids as they grow older! Son, be wise! Set your heart on the right path! It is what I want for our kids too! Here are some great warnings and principles to teach them!
Saying #17 Verses 22-25
These are such important verses to me personally! It is an honor when our kids are wise and respectful, but really hurts when they are not. I have experienced both. Kids, please value wisdom and instruction! It is a real joy to us! We will rejoice as parents!
Saying #18 Verses 26-28
“My son, give me your heart…” This sounds familiar! Son, please give me your full attention and love what I have to tell you! Care about what I am going to teach you! This is what I think Solomon is trying to tell his son. As a parent, I want my kids to really care about what I say to them as their mother. It means a lot when what I say, matters! I don’t want them to have a boring, sad life! A great life, full of reward is what I want for them. It’s what God wants for all of us! We are His children and He wants only what is best for us! It hurts His heart when we don’t listen and we have to reap bad consequences as a result!
Drunkenness
Saying #19 Verses 29-35
The consequences of drunkenness! Please do not allow alcohol to rule your life! Don’t let it consume you!!!! Hangovers, fights, complaints, dizziness, drunk, people want more, this is exactly what these verses describe!
Great post. I like the way you expressed yourself. There has not been many but I am willing to follow you. Please keep up the good work and keep it about GOD.
Thank you so much! I sure will!
Amen.
Whew! So much good stuff. Thank you for that!
This chapter has a lot in it! So many practical life lessons! Thank you again for reading, studying, supporting and living for God! I can tell that it matters to you to learn and grow!!! You are wise and righteous! God bless you!
Thank you for such kind words. I just love Jesus!