What happensPermalink
Proverbs 23 ranges across hospitality, wealth, correction, parenting, envy, appetite, sexual temptation, and alcohol. It warns readers to look beneath a ruler’s table and a begrudging host’s generosity, to recognize how quickly riches vanish, and to resist excessive food and drink. Parents are urged to discipline children toward life, while children are called to receive wisdom, honor their parents, and continue in the fear of the Lord.
Why it mattersPermalink
Wisdom governs appetite so that appetite does not govern us. Look beyond attractive offers to the motives and consequences beneath them. Receive correction, refuse envy, and discipline children toward life. Gluttony, drunkenness, greed, and sexual immorality promise pleasure but produce poverty, confusion, wounds, and grief. Give wisdom your heart, then direct your eyes and habits accordingly.
Key versePermalink
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.