Proverbs 23:3
Proverbs 23:3 in Multiple Translations
Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.
Have no desire for his delicate food, for it is the bread of deceit.
Don't be greedy for his fancy food, for it's offered with deceptive motives.
Be not desirous of his deintie meates: for it is a deceiuable meate.
Have no desire to his dainties, seeing it [is] lying food.
Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food.
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful food.
Be not desirous of his meats, in which is the bread of deceit.
Do not want to eat a lot of his fine food, because he may be trying to trick you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּ֭תְאָו
לְ/מַטְעַמּוֹתָ֑י/ו
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
לֶ֣חֶם
כְּזָבִֽים
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּ֭תְאָו
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
לְ/מַטְעַמּוֹתָ֑י/ו
maṭʻam
H4303
delicacy
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
כְּזָבִֽים
kâzâb
H3577
lie
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:3
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֭תְאָו
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
לְ/מַטְעַמּוֹתָ֑י/ו
maṭʻam
H4303
"delicacy"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to delicious or savory food, like a special treat. It is used to describe the fine foods enjoyed by kings and wealthy people. This word is often translated as 'dainty' or 'savoury meat'.
Definition: tasty or savory food, delectable food, dainties
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: dainty (meat), savoury meat. See also: Genesis 27:4; Genesis 27:17; Proverbs 23:3.
וְ֝/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
כְּזָבִֽים
kâzâb
H3577
"lie"
N-mp
A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.
Definition: a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying. See also: Psalms 4:3; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:3
Context — Saying 7
1When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you,
2and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.
3Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
4Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. 5When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:6 | Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies; |
| 2 | Psalms 141:4 | 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. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:22 | to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; |
| 4 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
| 5 | Daniel 1:8 | 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. |
Proverbs 23:3 Summary
Proverbs 23:3 is warning us against craving the luxurious and extravagant things of this world, which can be deceptive and lead us away from God. This verse is telling us to be careful what we desire and to not let our appetites control us, because true satisfaction comes from God, not from the world's pleasures (Psalm 37:4). We should trust God to provide for our needs and be content with what we have, rather than constantly desiring more (1 Timothy 6:6-8). By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of worldly desires and find true fulfillment in our relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for food to be 'deceptive' in Proverbs 23:3?
The food being referred to is likely the luxurious and extravagant dishes served at a ruler's table, which can be deceptive in that they may appear appealing but ultimately lead to trouble or sin, as warned in Proverbs 23:1-2 and also seen in the story of Esau in Genesis 25:29-34, where he traded his birthright for a bowl of food.
Is this verse saying we should never enjoy good food?
No, the Bible does teach us to enjoy the blessings God gives us, including good food, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:7, but Proverbs 23:3 is specifically warning against craving the delicacies of the rich and powerful, which can lead to sinful desires and actions, as also warned in 1 Timothy 6:10.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
This verse can be applied by being mindful of the company we keep and the desires we cultivate, remembering that our ultimate satisfaction comes from God, not from the world's luxuries, as taught in Psalm 37:4 and Matthew 6:33.
Is this verse only talking about food, or is there a deeper meaning?
While the verse is literally talking about food, it also has a deeper meaning, warning against the dangers of craving the worldly pleasures and status symbols that can lead us away from God, as seen in Luke 12:15 and 1 John 2:15-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'delicacies' in my life that I may be craving, and how can I examine my heart to see if they are truly satisfying?
- How can I cultivate a sense of contentment with what God has provided for me, rather than constantly desiring more?
- What are some ways I can 'put a knife to my throat' and restrain my appetite for the things of this world, as mentioned in Proverbs 23:2?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs, rather than trying to satisfy myself with the world's offerings, as taught in Matthew 6:25-34?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:3
Be not desirous of his dainties,.... His savoury food, which is very grateful to the taste, his rich provisions and royal dainties; do not lust after them, as the word (s) signifies, in an immoderate
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:3
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Be not desirous of his dainties; for they are deceitful meat. Intimacy with an absolute king is a hazardous privilege.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
Either because they do not yield thee that satisfaction which thou didst expect from them, but rather load thee with ill humours, and the seeds of divers diseases; or because they are not provided for thee with sincerity and good will, but with some evil design upon thee, either to discover and betray thee, or to enslave thee. See Poole ",7".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
Proverbs 23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they [are] deceitful meat.Ver. 3. Be not desirous of his dainties.] It is a shame for a saint to be a slave to his palate. Isaac loved venison too, too well; the disciples are cautioned by Christ, who well enough knew where they were weakest. For they are deceitful meat.] There is a hook under that bait; it may prove as dangerous as Jonathan’ s honey, of which he had no sooner tasted but his head was forfeited. There is a deceitfulness in sin, a lie in vanity, transit voluptas, manet dolor - dolor est etiam ipsa voluptas.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
(3) Deceitful meat.—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.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:3
3. Maurer quotes in illustration of these verses (1–3): “Keep thee from the man that hath power to kill, And thou shalt have no suspicion of the fear of death: And if thou come unto him, commit no fault, Lest he take away thy life: Know surely that thou goest about in the midst of snares, And walkest upon the battlements of a city.” Sir 9:13.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:3
Dainties ... deceitful meat - Such as “savory meat,” venison Genesis 27:4, offered not from genuine hospitality, but with some by-ends.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:3
1-3. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler — The first three verses of this chapter are closely connected, and pertain to one and the same topic.What — Some render who.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false |
|
"Forget Miricales Preach Holiness" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the need for true, genuine conversion and a deep commitment to the cross, rather than just seeking emotional experiences or outward displays of spirituality. |
|
|
Accountability to God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He rec |
|
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 2 by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of why Christians often fail to share their faith with others. He suggests that the reason for this is a lack of understanding and |
|
Called to Be Christ-Like by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who becomes jealous and angry when he sees others prospering financially while he struggles. The man declares that it is his |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 35:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey back to Bethel. Jacob is called by God to return to Bethel and make an altar there. The preacher emphasiz |
|
(Saved Through the Fire) 01 - the Path of True Salvation by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Malachi 3:1, which speaks of the coming of John the Baptist as a messenger to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The speaker emphas |