Proverbs 23:3

Translation
King James Version
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Be not desirous H183 of his dainties H4303: for they are deceitful H3577 meat H3899.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Don't be greedy for his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.
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Berean Standard Bible
Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
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American Standard Version
Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.
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World English Bible Messianic
Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Be not desirous of his deintie meates: for it is a deceiuable meate.
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Young's Literal Translation
Have no desire to his dainties, seeing it is lying food.
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See also
Proverbs 23:6Psalms 141:4Daniel 1:8Luke 21:34Ephesians 4:22
In the KJVVerse 17,048 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 23:3 delivers a profound caution against succumbing to the allure of lavish provisions, particularly when extended by those in positions of power. It admonishes the reader to resist an intense craving for "dainties" or choice foods, because such seemingly desirable offerings are often a facade, concealing ulterior motives or carrying hidden dangers. These tempting provisions are described as "deceitful meat," implying they can lead to compromise, entanglement, or spiritual harm. The verse thus underscores the critical importance of discernment, self-control, and unwavering integrity when confronted with temptation and potential manipulation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 23 is situated within a broader collection of wisdom sayings, predominantly presented as paternal instruction designed to equip a son with practical and spiritual guidance for navigating life's complexities. Verses 1-3 form a cohesive unit, specifically addressing the etiquette and inherent dangers associated with dining with a ruler or influential person. The preceding verse, Proverbs 23:2, issues a stark warning to the guest: "put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite," emphasizing the necessity of extreme self-control. Proverbs 23:3 directly builds upon this by elucidating the underlying reason for such stringent self-restraint: the food itself, despite its appealing nature, is inherently deceptive. This immediate context highlights the moral and spiritual perils of uncontrolled desire in potentially compromising social situations, urging the reader to prioritize wisdom over appetite.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, communal meals, especially those hosted by monarchs, nobles, or wealthy individuals, held immense social and political significance. Far beyond mere sustenance, these gatherings served as crucial arenas for forging alliances, demonstrating power, extending patronage, or, at times, setting subtle traps. A ruler's generosity with "dainties"—luxurious, rare, or exquisitely prepared foods—could be a test of character, an attempt to indebt a guest, or a means to subtly influence or manipulate. Accepting such lavish gifts without keen discernment could inadvertently imply allegiance, compromise one's personal principles, or lead to unforeseen obligations and entanglements. The proverb, therefore, speaks directly to a common cultural dynamic where hospitality, though outwardly benevolent, could be a veiled instrument of power, making its warning particularly pertinent for those seeking to maintain integrity and independence in public or influential spheres.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it champions discernment over desire, urging the wise individual to look beyond superficial appearances and immediate gratification, a principle echoed in warnings against quick riches or fleeting pleasures found elsewhere (e.g., Proverbs 21:6). Secondly, it profoundly highlights the theme of hidden dangers and deception, asserting that what appears good or beneficial can, in fact, conceal harm. This concept is central to the wisdom tradition, which frequently contrasts the straightforward, righteous path with the treacherous, deceptive path of folly (e.g., Proverbs 14:12). Finally, it powerfully underscores the importance of integrity and self-control, particularly in maintaining one's moral compass when faced with tempting offers or manipulative influences from those in authority, aligning with the broader biblical call for righteous living and guarding one's heart found in passages like Proverbs 4:23).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • desirous (Hebrew, ʼâvâh', H183): A primitive root meaning "to wish for," "covet," "greatly desire," or "lust after." This word denotes more than a casual interest; it implies an intense, often overwhelming longing or craving. In this context, it warns against allowing one's appetite or ambition to become so dominant that it overrides prudence and discernment, leading one to eagerly pursue what might ultimately be harmful or compromising.
  • dainties (Hebrew, maṭʻam', H4303): Referring to a "delicacy," "choice meat," or "savoury meat." This term specifically denotes food that is highly palatable, luxurious, and exceptionally appealing to the senses. It emphasizes the attractive, tempting nature of the offering, making the warning against desiring it all the more potent, as it targets something inherently pleasing to the flesh and often associated with status or privilege.
  • deceitful meat (Hebrew, _kâzâb lechem'_, H3577): Composed of H3577 (kâzâb), meaning "falsehood," "untruth," or "deceitful," and H3899 (lechem), meaning "food," "bread," or "meat." The phrase literally translates to "bread of lies" or "food of falsehoods." This powerful metaphor indicates that the food itself is a lie; it promises satisfaction, pleasure, or benefit but ultimately delivers harm, disappointment, or entanglement. It's not merely bad food, but food that actively misleads and ensnares the one who partakes of it, concealing a hidden agenda or negative consequence.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Be not desirous of his dainties": This imperative command serves as a direct and urgent warning against a specific internal disposition: an uncontrolled, intense longing for luxurious food offered by a powerful host. The emphasis is placed on the desire itself, not merely the act of eating. It implies that such a strong desire can cloud judgment, diminish discernment, and render one vulnerable to the hidden intentions or manipulative strategies behind the lavish offering. The wisdom imparted here is to cultivate an inner detachment from material temptations, especially when they appear with potential strings attached.
  • "for they are deceitful meat": This clause provides the crucial, explanatory reason for the preceding warning. The "dainties" are not what they appear to be; they are fundamentally a "deceitful meat." This potent metaphor suggests that the food is a trap, a lure designed to ensnare the guest. The deception could manifest in various ways: a hidden obligation, a compromise of one's integrity, a loss of independence, or even a literal danger if the host harbors malicious intent. The seeming generosity and appeal of the food conceal a deeper, often sinister, purpose, making the food a vehicle for falsehood and potential harm.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 23:3 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The primary device is Metaphor, where "deceitful meat" (Hebrew: "bread of lies") is not literally food that possesses the ability to lie, but rather food that symbolically represents a deceptive offering or a situation fraught with hidden dangers. This metaphor vividly portrays the insidious nature of temptations that appear attractive on the surface but conceal underlying peril, transforming a physical object (food) into a powerful symbol of moral or spiritual hazard. The verse also utilizes Imperative Mood ("Be not desirous"), delivering a direct, authoritative command that underscores the urgency and critical importance of the warning. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Antithesis implied between the outward appearance of "dainties" (which are desirable and pleasing) and their true, hidden nature as "deceitful meat" (which is harmful and misleading), thereby highlighting the stark contrast between superficial appeal and underlying danger. This rich and precise use of language elevates a simple dietary caution into a profound lesson on discernment, integrity, and the nature of temptation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The warning embedded in Proverbs 23:3 transcends a mere caution about literal food, serving as a profound theological statement on the nature of temptation and the indispensable role of spiritual discernment. It teaches that the adversary, or even the fallen systems of the world, frequently presents temptations in attractive, desirable forms, much like the "dainties" offered by a powerful host. These seemingly good offers are, in essence, "deceitful meat," meticulously designed to compromise our integrity, lead us into sin, or distract us from God's divine will. The proverb therefore calls believers to adopt a posture of vigilant self-control and keen discernment, recognizing that true wisdom involves looking beyond immediate gratification to uncover the hidden motives and long-term consequences of seemingly appealing opportunities. This principle is foundational to living a life of righteousness and successfully navigating the snares of the world, echoing the broader biblical call to walk in wisdom and to avoid being conformed to the patterns of this fallen age.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 23:3 offers timeless and vital wisdom for navigating a world perpetually filled with alluring temptations. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of profound discernment, moving beyond mere reactive responses to what looks good or feels pleasurable, and instead pausing to deeply consider the true nature and potential long-term consequences of every offer. This principle extends far beyond literal food, applying equally to career opportunities, relationships, financial deals, and even spiritual movements that may appear attractive on the surface. We must honestly ask ourselves: Are we being offered "dainties" that are actually "deceitful meat," subtly designed to compromise our core values, entangle us in unhealthy dependencies, or distract us from our ultimate purpose and calling in Christ? The proverb calls us to exercise rigorous self-control and unwavering integrity, resisting the impulsive urge to grasp at every shiny object or seemingly easy path. True wisdom lies in understanding that not all that glitters is gold, and sometimes the most appealing offers carry the greatest hidden dangers, requiring us to diligently guard our hearts and minds with vigilance and prayer.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "dainties" in your life—whether opportunities, possessions, or relationships—might actually be "deceitful meat" with hidden costs, compromises, or spiritual dangers?
  • How can you cultivate greater discernment to look beyond the surface appeal of temptations and identify their true, underlying nature?
  • In what specific areas of your life do you need to exercise more self-control, particularly when faced with something highly desirable or seemingly advantageous?

FAQ

What does "deceitful meat" truly mean in this context?

Answer: "Deceitful meat" (Hebrew: lechem kəzābîm, literally "bread of lies" or "food of falsehoods") is a powerful and profound metaphor. It does not imply that the food is literally spoiled or poisoned, but rather that it represents a deceptive offering. The "dainties" are a lure, promising satisfaction, pleasure, or benefit, but they come with hidden strings attached, ulterior motives from the host, or a moral compromise for the guest. It suggests that partaking of such a meal can lead to entanglement, indebtedness, a loss of independence, or a compromise of integrity, thereby making the seemingly generous gift a trap rather than a genuine blessing. This concept extends far beyond literal food to any alluring offer that conceals a harmful, manipulative, or spiritually detrimental agenda, aligning with the broader biblical theme of discerning truth from falsehood, as seen in John 8:44.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 23:3, with its solemn warning against "deceitful meat," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb cautions against worldly temptations that promise satisfaction but ultimately deliver deception and entanglement, Christ offers the true, life-giving sustenance that never deceives and always satisfies. He unequivocally declared Himself to be the Bread of Life, proclaiming, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." Unlike the "dainties" of a worldly ruler that ensnare and obligate, the "meat" that Jesus offers is His own flesh and blood, given as a sacrificial offering for the life of the world, providing genuine spiritual nourishment and eternal life without any hidden agenda, deceptive cost, or future regret (John 6:51). Furthermore, Jesus Himself faced and triumphed over the ultimate "deceitful meat" when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness with worldly power and glory (Matthew 4:8-10), demonstrating perfect self-control, unwavering discernment, and absolute integrity. He refused to compromise His divine mission or character for any earthly allure, showing us that true satisfaction and freedom come not from the fleeting pleasures of this world but from complete obedience to God's Word and intimate communion with Him. Thus, Christ stands as the perfect antidote to all deceitful offerings, providing the only true, trustworthy, and eternally satisfying sustenance for the soul, leading to ultimate freedom and abundant life, not entanglement.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Instructor Book 2
There is no limit to epicurism among men. For it has driven them to sweetmeats, and honey-cakes, and sugar-plums; inventing a multitude of desserts, hunting after all manner of dishes. A man like this seems to me to be all jaw, and nothing else. "Desire not," says the Scripture, "rich men's dainties;" for they belong to a false and base life. They partake of luxurious dishes, which a little after go to the dunghill. But we who seek the heavenly bread must rule the belly, which is beneath heaven, and much more the things which are agreeable to it, which "God shall destroy," says the apostle, justly execrating gluttonous desires.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
Do not desire his delicacies, etc. Which is to say openly, do not desire to listen to the words of him who is accustomed to deceive his listeners with the sweetness of false doctrines.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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