Proverbs 23:3

KJV

Be not desirous of his dainties: for they [are] deceitful meat.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not desirous {H183} of his dainties {H4303}: for they are deceitful {H3577} meat {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be greedy for his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

American Standard Version

Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:3 issues a profound warning against succumbing to the allure of lavish provisions, particularly when offered by those in positions of power. It cautions the reader not to be overly eager for "dainties" or choice foods, because such seemingly desirable offerings often conceal ulterior motives or carry hidden dangers, proving to be "deceitful meat" that can lead to compromise, entanglement, or spiritual harm. The verse underscores the vital importance of discernment, self-control, and integrity in the face of temptation and potential manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, often presented as direct instructions from a father to a son, designed to impart practical and spiritual guidance for navigating life's complexities. Verses 1-3 form a distinct unit, specifically addressing the etiquette and dangers associated with dining with a ruler or influential person. The preceding verse, [Proverbs 23:2](/proverbs/23-2 "Proverbs 23:2 - Restrain Your Appetite"), advises the guest to "put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite," emphasizing extreme self-control. Proverbs 23:3 directly builds upon this by revealing *why* such self-control is necessary: the food itself, though appealing, is inherently deceptive. This immediate context highlights the moral and spiritual perils of uncontrolled desire in potentially compromising social situations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, communal meals, especially those hosted by rulers or wealthy individuals, were highly significant social and political events. They were not merely about sustenance but served as arenas for establishing alliances, demonstrating power, extending patronage, or even setting traps. A ruler's generosity with "dainties" (luxurious 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 discernment could imply allegiance, compromise one's principles, or lead to unforeseen obligations. The proverb thus speaks to a common cultural dynamic where hospitality could be a veiled instrument of power, making the warning particularly pertinent for those seeking to maintain integrity in public life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it champions **discernment over desire**, urging the wise individual to look beyond superficial appearances and immediate gratification, a theme echoed in warnings against quick riches or fleeting pleasures throughout the book (e.g., [Proverbs 21:6](/proverbs/21-6 "Proverbs 21:6 - Deceptive Riches")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **hidden dangers and deception**, asserting that what appears good can conceal harm, a concept central to the wisdom tradition that often contrasts the simple path with the treacherous path of folly (e.g., [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")). Finally, it 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 call for righteous living found in passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desirous (Hebrew, _ʼâvâh'_):** From H183, a primitive root meaning "to wish for," "covet," "greatly desire," or "lust after." This word implies more than a casual interest; it denotes a strong, often intense longing or craving. In this context, it warns against allowing one's appetite or ambition to become so strong that it overrides prudence and discernment, leading one to eagerly pursue what might be harmful.
* **dainties (Hebrew, _maṭʻam'_):** From H4303, referring to a "delicacy," "choice meat," or "savoury meat." This term specifically denotes food that is highly palatable, luxurious, and 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.
* **deceitful meat (Hebrew, _kâzâb lechem'_):** 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not desirous of his dainties":** This imperative command serves as a direct warning against a specific internal disposition: an uncontrolled longing for luxurious food offered by a powerful host. The emphasis is on the *desire* itself, not just the act of eating. It implies that such a strong desire can cloud judgment and make one vulnerable to the hidden intentions behind the lavish offering. The wisdom here is to cultivate an inner detachment from material temptations, especially when they come with strings attached.
* **"for they are deceitful meat":** This clause provides the crucial reason for the warning. The "dainties" are not what they seem; they are a "deceitful meat." This 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 integrity, a loss of independence, or even a literal danger to one's health or life if the host has malicious intent. The seeming generosity hides a deeper, often sinister, purpose, making the food a vehicle for falsehood.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where "deceitful meat" (Hebrew: "bread of lies") is not literally food that lies, but food that represents a deceptive offering or situation. This metaphor vividly portrays the hidden dangers lurking beneath an attractive surface, transforming a physical object (food) into a symbol of moral or spiritual peril. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood** ("Be not desirous"), delivering a direct command that underscores the urgency and importance of the warning. Furthermore, there is an element of **Antithesis** implied between the outward appearance of "dainties" (desirable and pleasing) and their true nature as "deceitful meat" (harmful and misleading), highlighting the contrast between superficial appeal and underlying danger. This rich use of language transforms a simple dietary caution into a profound lesson on discernment and integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in Proverbs 23:3 extends far beyond literal food, serving as a profound theological statement on the nature of temptation and the importance of spiritual discernment. It teaches that the enemy of our souls, or even worldly systems, often presents temptations in attractive, desirable forms, much like "dainties." These seemingly good offers are frequently "deceitful meat," designed to compromise our integrity, lead us into sin, or distract us from God's will. The proverb therefore calls believers to a posture of vigilance and self-control, recognizing that true wisdom involves looking beyond immediate gratification to discern the hidden motives and long-term consequences of seemingly appealing opportunities. This principle is foundational to living a life of righteousness and avoiding the snares of the world, echoing the broader biblical call to walk in wisdom and not be conformed to the patterns of this world.

* [Genesis 3:4-5](/genesis/3-4 "Genesis 3:4-5 - The Serpent's Deception")
* [Luke 4:5-7](/luke/4-5 "Luke 4:5-7 - Satan's Temptation of Jesus")
* [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh, Eyes, and Pride of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:3 offers timeless wisdom for navigating a world filled with alluring temptations. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, not merely reacting to what looks good or feels pleasurable, but pausing to consider the true nature and potential consequences of every offer. This applies not only to literal food but to career opportunities, relationships, financial deals, and even spiritual movements that appear attractive on the surface. Are we being offered "dainties" that are actually "deceitful meat," designed to compromise our values, entangle us in unhealthy dependencies, or distract us from our ultimate purpose in Christ? The proverb calls us to exercise self-control and integrity, resisting the 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 guard our hearts and minds with vigilance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dainties" in your life (opportunities, possessions, relationships) might actually be "deceitful meat" with hidden costs or compromises?**
* **How can you cultivate greater discernment to look beyond the surface appeal of temptations and identify their true nature?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more self-control, especially when faced with something highly desirable?**

### 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 metaphor. It doesn't mean the food is literally spoiled or poisoned, but rather that it is a deceptive offering. The "dainties" are a lure, promising satisfaction 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, or a loss of integrity, making the seemingly generous gift a trap rather than a blessing. This concept extends beyond literal food to any alluring offer that conceals a harmful or manipulative agenda, aligning with the broader biblical theme of discerning truth from falsehood, as seen in [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Father of Lies").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:3, with its warning against "deceitful meat," finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb cautions against worldly temptations that promise satisfaction but deliver deception, Christ offers the true, life-giving sustenance that never deceives. He declared Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), stating, "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 ruler that ensnare, the "meat" that Jesus offers is His own flesh and blood, given for the life of the world, providing genuine spiritual nourishment and eternal life without any hidden agenda or deceptive cost (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself faced and overcame the ultimate "deceitful meat" when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness with worldly power and glory (cf. [Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - The Temptation to Worldly Power")), demonstrating perfect self-control and discernment. He refused to compromise His integrity for any earthly allure, showing us that true satisfaction comes not from the fleeting pleasures of this world but from obedience to God's Word and communion with Him. Thus, Christ is the antidote to all deceitful offerings, providing the only true and trustworthy sustenance for the soul, leading to freedom and life, not entanglement.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 23:6

¶ Eat thou not the bread of [him that hath] an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

Psalms 141:4

Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Daniel 1:8

¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;