# Overview Proverbs Chapter 23 is a collection of wise sayings that provide guidance on various aspects of life, emphasizing the pursuit of wisdom and the avoidance of folly. The chapter begins with advice on dining with a ruler, urging restraint and discretion, and warns against the deceptive allure of wealth and indulgence. It speaks against the pursuit of riches, highlighting their fleeting nature, and advises setting one's heart on wisdom rather than on material gain. The chapter continues with exhortations to heed parental instruction, emphasizing the value of discipline and obedience as foundational for a life of understanding and righteousness. The latter part of the chapter addresses the dangers of excessive drinking and gluttony, using vivid imagery to illustrate the path to ruin they offer. It warns against associating with those given to excess, highlighting the destructive consequences of such behaviors. The chapter concludes with a poignant reflection on the effects of drunkenness, portraying it as a pathway to sorrow and confusion. Throughout, the sayings of Proverbs 23 urge readers to seek wisdom, value instruction, and live a disciplined life, aligning one's actions with the fear of #God and the pursuit of righteousness. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the pursuit of godly wisdom as a means to navigate the complexities of life. ## Theological Insights Proverbs 23 offers profound insights into the wisdom of living a life that is pleasing to #God and beneficial to oneself and others. This chapter, like much of the Book of #Proverbs, serves as a guide to practical living under the guidance of divine wisdom. 1. **Wisdom in Restraint and Moderation**: The chapter begins with advice on exercising self-control, especially in the presence of rulers or in situations of excess (Proverbs 23:1-3). This reflects the broader biblical teaching on moderation and self-discipline, seen elsewhere in the #NewTestament in passages like [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 9#Verse 25|1 Corinthians 9:25]], where Paul discusses self-control as vital for spiritual discipline. 2. **The Fleeting Nature of Wealth**: Proverbs 23:4-5 warns against laboring to be rich and the transient nature of wealth, echoing Jesus’ teaching in the #Gospels about the dangers of storing up treasures on earth (see [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 6#Verse 19|Matthew 6:19-21]]). This theme encourages believers to focus on eternal values over temporal gains. 3. **The Consequences of Associating with the Wrong Company**: Verses 6-8 advise against eating the bread of a miser, paralleling the biblical theme of being mindful of one's associations and influences (see [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15#Verse 33|1 Corinthians 15:33]]). This underscores the importance of fellowship with those who encourage righteousness and wisdom. 4. **Discipline and Correction**: The chapter also emphasizes the value of discipline and correction in verses 13-14, aligning with the biblical view that God disciplines those He loves (see [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 12#Verse 6|Hebrews 12:6]]) and that such discipline leads to life and wisdom. 5. **The Joy of a Wise Heart**: Proverbs 23:15-16 speaks of the joy that wise actions bring to a parent, illustrating the #OldTestament value placed on wisdom and the heart’s condition. This reflects a broader biblical principle that true wisdom and understanding come from a heart aligned with God (see [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 9#Verse 10|Proverbs 9:10]]). 6. **Avoidance of Drunkenness and Gluttony**: Verses 19-21 warn against drunkenness and gluttony, promoting a lifestyle of sobriety and self-control. This advice aligns with teachings found in the #NewTestament, such as in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5#Verse 18|Ephesians 5:18]], where believers are urged to be filled with the Spirit rather than wine. 7. **Parental Guidance and Legacy**: The chapter concludes with a call for children to heed their parents’ instruction (verses 22-25), reinforcing the biblical theme of honoring one's parents as foundational to a life of wisdom and blessing (see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20#Verse 12|Exodus 20:12]]). Proverbs 23, therefore, serves as a rich tapestry of practical and spiritual wisdom, providing guidance on how to live a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God. Through its teachings, believers are encouraged to pursue a life of wisdom, discipline, and righteousness, grounded in the fear of the Lord. ## Thematic Connections ### Wisdom and Discipline Proverbs 23 emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discipline, echoing themes found throughout the #BookOfProverbs. The chapter highlights the value of applying one's heart to instruction and ears to words of knowledge (Proverbs 23:12). This is consistent with the exhortation to seek wisdom as a precious treasure, as seen in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 2|Proverbs 2]], where wisdom is described as a path to understanding and righteousness. ### The Dangers of Excess The chapter warns against the dangers of excess, particularly in relation to food and drink (Proverbs 23:20-21, 29-35). This theme resonates with other biblical warnings about indulgence, such as the call to moderation found in [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 4|Philippians 4:5]], where believers are encouraged to let their gentleness be evident to all. The emphasis on self-control aligns with the fruit of the Spirit described in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 5|Galatians 5:22-23]]. ### The Influence of Companions Proverbs 23 cautions against associating with those who lead others into wrongdoing (Proverbs 23:20-21). This is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15|1 Corinthians 15:33]], where Paul warns that "bad company corrupts good character." The importance of choosing wise companions is underscored in the opening chapters of Proverbs, such as [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 1|Proverbs 1]], where the father instructs the son to avoid the path of sinners. ### Parental Instruction and Joy The chapter underscores the value of parental instruction and the joy it brings when children follow wisdom (Proverbs 23:24-25). This is reflective of the broader biblical theme of honoring one's parents, as established in the Ten Commandments in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20|Exodus 20:12]] and reiterated by Paul in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6|Ephesians 6:1-3]]. The joy of a wise child is also echoed in other Proverbs, such as [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 10|Proverbs 10:1]]. ### The Heart's Focus Proverbs 23 explores the theme of where one's heart and focus should lie, emphasizing the fleeting nature of wealth (Proverbs 23:4-5). This theme is consistent with Jesus’ teaching in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 6|Matthew 6:19-21]], where believers are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The warning against covetousness is also found in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 13|Hebrews 13:5]], which advises to be content with what one has. ### The Consequences of Foolishness The chapter highlights the consequences of foolish behavior, particularly through the imagery of drunkenness and its resultant woes (Proverbs 23:29-35). This theme is similar to the warnings found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 5|Isaiah 5:11-12]], which condemn the excesses of those who rise early to chase after strong drink. The destructive nature of folly is a central theme in the Book of Proverbs, as seen in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 14|Proverbs 14:12]] where it states that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Discipline of the Lord Proverbs 23:12-14 emphasizes the importance of discipline and correction, which can be seen as a fulfillment of the broader biblical theme of God's discipline for His children. The concept that discipline leads to life echoes throughout the Bible and is fulfilled in the New Testament in passages like [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 12|Hebrews 12:5-11]], which speaks about the Lord disciplining those He loves. This connection highlights the prophetic nature of Proverbs in pointing to the ongoing relationship between God and His people, where discipline is a sign of His care and commitment to their spiritual growth. ### The Hope of Redemption In Proverbs 23:18, the statement "surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off" anticipates the hope and redemption found in Christ. This assurance of a hopeful future is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate hope and future for believers. Passages like [[Romans/Romans Chapter 5|Romans 5:5]] and [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1|1 Peter 1:3-4]] reflect the fulfillment of this hope, as they speak of the living hope believers have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ensuring that their future is secure and eternal. ### The Righteous Path Proverbs 23:17 advises, "Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day." This counsel aligns with the prophetic call to righteousness found throughout scripture. The fulfillment of walking in the righteous path is evident in Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (see [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 6|Matthew 6:33]]). This continuation of the righteous path is a way of life that Jesus exemplified and taught, fulfilling the wisdom and guidance offered in Proverbs. ### Parental Wisdom Proverbs 23:22-25 advises children to listen to their parents' wisdom, which is a theme that finds fulfillment in the New Testament's emphasis on honoring one's parents, as seen in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6|Ephesians 6:1-3]]. This call to honor and heed parental instruction is a reflection of honoring God's commands and wisdom, pointing towards the fulfillment of living a life that aligns with God's will, as taught by Jesus and the apostles. The connection between earthly parental guidance and divine wisdom underscores the prophetic nature of Proverbs in directing believers towards a life of obedience and reverence. ## Verses - **Proverbs 23:1** - "While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you." - **Proverbs 23:2** - "If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat;" - **Proverbs 23:3** - "don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you." - **Proverbs 23:4** - "Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit." - **Proverbs 23:5** - "In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle." - **Proverbs 23:6** - "Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies." - **Proverbs 23:7** - "They are always thinking about how much it costs. 'Eat and drink,' they say, but they don’t mean it." - **Proverbs 23:8** - "You will throw up what little you’ve eaten, and your compliments will be wasted." - **Proverbs 23:9** - "Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice." - **Proverbs 23:10** - "Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans." - **Proverbs 23:11** - "For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you." - **Proverbs 23:12** - "Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge." - **Proverbs 23:13** - "Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them." - **Proverbs 23:14** - "Physical discipline may well save them from death." - **Proverbs 23:15** - "My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!" - **Proverbs 23:16** - "Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right." - **Proverbs 23:17** - "Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord." - **Proverbs 23:18** - "You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed." - **Proverbs 23:19** - "My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course." - **Proverbs 23:20** - "Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons," - **Proverbs 23:21** - "for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags." - **Proverbs 23:22** - "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old." - **Proverbs 23:23** - "Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment." - **Proverbs 23:24** - "The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise." - **Proverbs 23:25** - "So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy." - **Proverbs 23:26** - "O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways." - **Proverbs 23:27** - "A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well." - **Proverbs 23:28** - "She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful." - **Proverbs 23:29** - "Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?" - **Proverbs 23:30** - "It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks." - **Proverbs 23:31** - "Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down." - **Proverbs 23:32** - "For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper." - **Proverbs 23:33** - "You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things." - **Proverbs 23:34** - "You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast." - **Proverbs 23:35** - "'They hit me,' you will say, 'but I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?'" ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Riches** - [[1 Timothy/1 Timothy Chapter 6]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]] - **Discipline** - [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 12]], [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 13]] - **Wisdom** - [[James/James Chapter 1]], [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 1]] - **Alcohol and Drunkenness** - [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5]], [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 20]]