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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 23:6–8.
Those that are voluptuous and given to appetite (Pro 23:2) are glad to be where there is good cheer stirring, and those that are covetous and saving, that they may spare at home, will be glad to get a dinner at another man's table; and therefore both are here advised not to be forward to accept of every man's invitation, but especially not to thrust themselves in uninvited. Observe, 1. There are those that pretend to bid their friends welcome that are not hearty and sincere in it. They have a fair tongue, and know what they should say: Eat and drink, saith he, because it is expected that the master of the feast should so compliment his guests; but they have an evil eye, and grudge their guests every bit they eat, especially if the eat freely. They would seem to be liberal in making the entertainment, and would have the credit of it, but they have so great a love to their money, and so little to their friends, that they cannot have the comfort of it, nor any enjoyment of themselves or their friends. The miser's feast is his penance. If a man be so very selfish, and sordid, and mean that he cannot find in his heart to bid his friends welcome to what he has, he ought not to add to that the guilt of dissimulation by inviting them, but let him own himself to be what he is, that the vile person may not be called liberal nor the churl bountiful, Isa 32:5. 2. One can have no comfort in accepting the entertainments that are given grudgingly: "Eat not thou the bread of such a man; let him keep it to himself. Do not sponge upon those that are bountiful, nor make thyself burdensome to any; but especially scorn to be beholden to those that are paltry and not sincere. Better have a dinner of herbs, and true welcome, than dainty meats without it. Therefore," (1.) "Judge of the man as his mind is. Thou thinkest to pay thy respect to him as a friend, so thou takest him to be, because he compliments thee, but as he thinks in his heart so is he, not as he speaks with his tongue." We are that really, both to God and man, which we are inwardly; and neither religion nor friendship is worth any thing further than as it is sincere. (2.) "Judge of the meat as the digestion is and as it agrees with thee. He bids thee eat freely, but, first or last, he will discover his sordid covetous humour, and as he thinks in his heart so will he look, and give thee to understand that thou art not welcome, and then the morsel thou hast eaten thou shalt vomit up; the very thought of that will make thee even to vomit the meat thou hast eaten, and eat the words thou has spoken in returning his compliments and giving him thanks for his civilities. Thou shalt lose thy sweet words, which he has given thee and thou has given him."
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Wise, therefore, was he who forbids us even to dine in company with an envious man, and in mentioning this companionship at table, he implies a reference to all other social contacts as well. Just as we are careful to keep material which is easily inflammable as far away as possible from fire, so we must refrain insofar as we can from contracting friendships in circles of which envious persons are members. By so doing, we place ourselves beyond the range of their shafts. We can be caught in the toils of envy only by establishing intimacy with it.
Do not eat with an envious man, etc. Do not speak of Scriptures with a heretic, because he envies human salvation, preferring to deceive rather than correct; for just as a soothsayer and dream interpreter considers things he does not know, so a heretic presumes to interpret in the Scriptures as he pleases, things he does not understand.
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Summary
Proverbs 23:6 delivers a profound admonition against accepting hospitality or gifts from individuals whose outward generosity masks an inner disposition of stinginess, envy, or manipulation. It cautions the discerning against partaking in the "bread" or "dainty meats" offered by one with an "evil eye," understanding this not as a literal curse but as a metaphor for a grudging or malevolent spirit. Such acceptance, the proverb warns, can lead to spiritual compromise, relational entanglement, and a subtle form of indebtedness, ultimately failing to provide genuine nourishment or blessing.
Context
Literary Context
This proverb is nestled within a larger collection of "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which serves as a practical guide for ethical living and moral conduct. More specifically, Proverbs 23:1-8 forms a cohesive unit addressing the etiquette and inherent dangers of dining with influential or powerful individuals. The preceding verses, such as Proverbs 23:1-3, advise extreme caution, self-control, and discernment when in the presence of those in authority, warning against gluttony and being swayed by superficial appearances. Proverbs 23:6 extends this caution beyond rulers to anyone whose underlying disposition is malevolent or begrudging, emphasizing that the giver's heart and true motives are paramount, a principle powerfully reinforced by Proverbs 23:7.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, sharing a meal was far more than a simple act of sustenance; it was a deeply significant social ritual symbolizing fellowship, trust, and often the establishment or reaffirmation of a covenant or bond. Hospitality was considered a sacred duty, yet accepting food from someone also implied a certain level of acceptance, obligation, and even loyalty. The phrase "evil eye" (Hebrew: ʻayin raʻ) in this context carries no superstitious connotation of a magical curse or a malevolent gaze, as might be found in later folklore. Instead, it precisely denotes a person who is miserly, stingy, envious, or grudging, even when they outwardly present an image of generosity. Such an individual offers gifts or hospitality with resentment, ulterior motives, or an expectation of return, rather than with a cheerful, open, and benevolent heart. Their apparent kindness is a deceptive veneer, a mask for their true, ungenerous disposition.
Key Themes
Proverbs 23:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Foremost among these is the theme of Discernment, urging the reader to cultivate spiritual insight to look beyond superficial appearances and understand the true motives and character of others, particularly in social interactions and when receiving favors. Secondly, it addresses Integrity and Avoiding Compromise, warning against entangling oneself in relationships or situations that could subtly lead to moral or spiritual compromise due to perceived obligation or the allure of a gift. The proverb implicitly contrasts the "evil eye" with genuine Generosity, a virtue frequently extolled in wisdom literature and the broader biblical narrative, as beautifully illustrated in passages like Proverbs 11:25. It underscores that true giving emanates from a benevolent and unselfish heart, not a grudging or calculating one.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to feed on," but figuratively, it can also mean "to consume" or even "to battle (as destruction)." In this verse, it refers to the physical act of consuming food, specifically the "bread" offered. However, the warning extends beyond mere physical ingestion, implying the deeper implications of partaking in what is offered by such a person, which can metaphorically "consume" or "battle" against one's well-being or integrity.
This word signifies badness, moral corruption, distress, ill-favoredness, or wickedness. When combined with "eye" (ʻayin), it describes the internal disposition of the person. The "evil" here is not an external force, but the inherent nature of the giver's heart—a heart that is miserly, resentful, or ill-willed, even in the act of giving.
A primitive root meaning "to wish for," "covet," or "long after." This word emphasizes the internal inclination or yearning. The proverb warns not only against the physical act of eating but also against the internal longing or coveting of the "dainty meats" (delicacies) offered by such a person. It highlights the danger of both outward participation and inward temptation to accept what comes from a corrupt or grudging source.
Verse Breakdown
"Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,"
This clause issues a direct and emphatic prohibition against accepting hospitality, specifically "bread" (a staple food, representing basic sustenance or provision), from someone characterized by an "evil eye." The "evil eye" here is a potent metaphor for a person with a grudging, stingy, envious, or malevolent disposition, whose apparent generosity is not genuine but is offered with resentment, manipulation, or ulterior motives. The core of this warning is to discern the true heart and character of the giver, not merely to evaluate the gift itself.
"neither desire thou his dainty meats:"
This second clause reinforces the first through a powerful parallelism, expanding the warning to include "dainty meats" (delicacies or savory food), which represent more luxurious or tempting offerings. Crucially, it shifts the focus from the outward act of "eating" to the inward inclination of "desiring." The prohibition is not only against the physical consumption but also against the internal longing or coveting of what such a person offers, underscoring the danger of being drawn in by the allure of the gift, regardless of the giver's true, ungenerous character.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound wisdom. The central device is Metaphor, where the "evil eye" (Hebrew: ʻayin raʻ) serves as a powerful image for a person whose inner disposition is miserly, grudging, or envious, and whose outward generosity is therefore deceptive. This is not a literal physical condition but a spiritual and moral state. The verse also utilizes clear Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("neither desire thou his dainty meats") echoes and amplifies the meaning of the first ("Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye"). This repetition emphasizes the prohibition and broadens its scope from mere physical consumption to the deeper, internal longing. The use of "bread" and "dainty meats" creates a Merism, representing the full spectrum of food, from basic sustenance to luxurious fare, thereby encompassing all forms of hospitality or favors. The proverb itself is a concise example of Didactic Instruction, characteristic of wisdom literature, offering practical moral guidance in a memorable and impactful form.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb is deeply rooted in the biblical emphasis on the true condition of the heart and the nature of genuine generosity. It underscores the theological truth that outward actions, even those seemingly benevolent, are rendered meaningless or even dangerous if they do not flow from a pure and sincere heart. God values sincere and cheerful giving and consistently warns against hypocrisy, where actions are performed for show, personal gain, or with ulterior motives. The "evil eye" stands in stark contrast to the generous spirit that God desires for His people—a spirit that gives freely, cheerfully, and without grudges or expectations of return. This principle extends far beyond literal meals to encompass all forms of interaction, exchange, and relationship, urging believers to exercise profound discernment in their social engagements and to diligently guard their own hearts against the very "evil eye" they are warned to avoid in others.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 23:6 remains profoundly relevant in contemporary life, serving as a timeless call to cultivate spiritual discernment in an age where appearances can be highly deceiving. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial allure of gifts, favors, or opportunities, and to carefully consider the character, integrity, and underlying motives of the giver. In a world often driven by self-interest, transactional relationships, and hidden agendas, this proverb calls us to guard our personal and spiritual integrity by avoiding entanglements that could compromise our values, create unhealthy obligations, or subtly manipulate us. It encourages us to prioritize genuine relationships built on sincerity, transparency, and mutual respect, rather than those based on manipulative gestures or grudging generosity. Ultimately, this proverb serves as a vital call to both wisdom in receiving and integrity in giving, fostering a community where generosity flows authentically from a truly open, benevolent, and God-honoring heart.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the bread of him that hath an evil eye" truly mean in this proverb?
The phrase "evil eye" (Hebrew: ʻayin raʻ) in Proverbs 23:6 does not refer to a magical curse or a superstitious belief in a malevolent gaze. Instead, it is a powerful metaphor for a person whose inner disposition is miserly, stingy, envious, or grudging, even if they outwardly offer hospitality or gifts. Such an individual gives with resentment, a desire for something in return, or an underlying ill will, rather than with genuine generosity and benevolence. Therefore, "the bread of him that hath an evil eye" refers to food, hospitality, or any favor offered by someone whose heart is not truly open or benevolent, but is instead characterized by a covetous, resentful, or manipulative spirit, as further clarified by the principle articulated in Proverbs 23:7.
Why is it dangerous to eat or desire the food from someone with an "evil eye"?
In ancient cultures, sharing a meal created a profound bond and implied a level of obligation and trust. Eating the food of someone with an "evil eye" could be dangerous for several critical reasons. Firstly, it could lead to an unhealthy spiritual or relational entanglement, as the giver's grudging or manipulative spirit might subtly influence or ensnare the recipient. Secondly, accepting such hospitality might create a perceived debt or obligation, making it difficult for the recipient to act with integrity, speak truthfully, or maintain their moral freedom later on. The proverb warns against compromising one's conscience, spiritual well-being, or freedom by accepting what appears to be a gift but is, in essence, a transaction steeped in ill will, hidden motives, or a desire for control. It's about protecting one's inner peace and moral compass by discerning the heart behind the hand that offers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 23:6, with its astute warning against the "evil eye" and its profound call for discerning motives, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect counterpoint in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the proverb cautions against the grudging or manipulative giver, Christ stands as the supreme exemplar of the truly generous Giver, whose sacrificial act on the cross was the consummate demonstration of self-giving love, utterly devoid of any "evil eye" or ulterior motive (2 Corinthians 8:9). His sacred invitation to "eat" of His body and "drink" of His blood in the New Covenant is an offer of genuine, life-giving sustenance, freely given and without reservation, contrasting sharply with the deceptive hospitality warned against in Proverbs (John 6:53-56). Furthermore, Jesus consistently exposed the hypocrisy of those who performed religious acts for outward show rather than from a pure heart, echoing the proverb's emphasis on inner motive over superficial appearance (Matthew 6:1-4). He taught His followers to give generously and cheerfully, promising divine reciprocation (Luke 6:38), and to be discerning, recognizing people by their enduring "fruits" rather than their deceptive words or gestures (Matthew 7:15-20). Thus, Christ not only warns against the "evil eye" but perfectly embodies the benevolent, self-sacrificing heart from which all true blessings and eternal life flow.