Lesson 363: Proverbs 23:7
Proverbs 23:7
The Blueprint — The Verse
for they are the kind of people who are always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," they say to you, but their heart is not with you.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Proverbs 23 warns against corrupting influences at rich tables and against envying oppressors. Ancient hospitality could mask stinginess or manipulation. Wisdom teaches discernment when generous words do not match inward calculation and selfish intent.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Earlier verses caution about dining with rulers and craving their delicacies. This line exposes a miser whose thoughts constantly calculate expense. He may say eat and drink, yet his heart is far from genuine generosity, warning listeners to read motives not only words.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Proverbs 23:6
Saying 96Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,do not crave his delicacies;
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Proverbs 23:6) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Proverbs 23:8
8You will vomit up the little you have eatenand will have wasted your compliments.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Proverbs 23:8) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- How can you discern when hospitality is not sincere?
- Where are you tempted to say one thing while thinking another?
- Why does wisdom attend to the heart behind polite speech?