Proverbs 23:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Eat {H3898} thou not the bread {H3899} of him that hath an evil {H7451} eye {H5869}, neither desire {H183} thou his dainty meats {H4303}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't eat the food of a stingy man; don't be greedy for his delicacies.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies;

American Standard Version

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, Neither desire thou his dainties:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:6 issues a profound warning against accepting hospitality or favors from individuals whose generosity is a facade for a miserly, envious, or manipulative heart. It cautions the wise against partaking in the "bread" or "dainty meats" of one with an "evil eye," not in a superstitious sense, but as a metaphor for a grudging spirit, as such acceptance can lead to spiritual or relational entanglement and compromise, rather than genuine nourishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within a larger collection of "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which offers practical wisdom for daily living and moral conduct. More specifically, Proverbs 23:1-8 forms a distinct unit focused on the etiquette and dangers of dining with rulers or influential persons. The preceding verses, such as [Proverbs 23:1-3](/proverbs/23-1 "Proverbs 23:1-3 - Dining with a Ruler"), advise careful self-control and discernment when in the presence of those who hold power or influence, warning against gluttony and being deceived by appearances. Proverbs 23:6 extends this caution from the powerful to anyone whose underlying disposition is malevolent or begrudging, emphasizing that the giver's heart is more important than the gift itself, a theme reinforced by [Proverbs 23:7](/proverbs/23-7 "Proverbs 23:7 - As He Thinks in His Heart").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sharing a meal was a deeply significant act, symbolizing fellowship, trust, and often the establishment or reaffirmation of a covenant or bond. Hospitality was a sacred duty, but also carried implications of obligation and loyalty. To accept food from someone implied a certain level of acceptance and indebtedness. The phrase "evil eye" (Hebrew: *ʻayin raʻ*) in this context does not refer to a magical curse or a malevolent gaze, as some later superstitions might suggest. Instead, it denotes a person who is stingy, begrudging, envious, or miserly, even when they outwardly offer generosity. Such an individual gives with resentment, ulterior motives, or a desire for something in return, rather than with a cheerful and open heart. Their apparent kindness is a deceptive veneer.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:6 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Discernment**, urging the reader to look beyond superficial appearances to understand the true motives and character of others, especially in social interactions. Secondly, it addresses **Integrity and Avoiding Compromise**, warning against entangling oneself in relationships that could lead to spiritual or moral compromise due to perceived obligation. The proverb implicitly contrasts the "evil eye" with genuine **Generosity**, a virtue frequently extolled in wisdom literature and the broader biblical narrative, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Generous Soul Will Be Prospered"). It underscores that true giving flows from a benevolent heart, not a grudging one.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eat (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** This primitive root means "to feed on," but figuratively, it can also mean "to consume" or even "to battle." In this context, it refers to the act of consuming food, specifically the "bread" offered. The warning is not just about the physical act of eating, but the deeper implications of partaking in what is offered by such a person, which can metaphorically "consume" or "battle" against one's well-being.
* **Evil Eye (Hebrew, _raʻ ʻayin'_):** This is a crucial phrase. **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** signifies badness, moral corruption, distress, or ill-favoredness. **Eye (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** literally refers to the physical eye, but figuratively can represent one's outlook, countenance, disposition, or even a fountain (as the "eye" of the landscape). Combined, "evil eye" here does not denote a magical curse but rather a person whose inner disposition is miserly, envious, grudging, or malevolent, even if they appear generous. Their "eye" (their outlook, their inner self) is "evil" (bad, stingy, resentful).
* **Desire (Hebrew, _ʼâvâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to wish for," "covet," or "long after." This word emphasizes the internal inclination. The proverb warns not only against the physical act of eating but also against the internal yearning or coveting of the "dainty meats" (delicacies) offered by such a person. It's a warning against both outward participation and inward longing for what comes from a corrupt source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,"**: This clause issues a direct 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 metaphor for a person with a grudging, stingy, or envious disposition, whose apparent generosity is not genuine but is offered with resentment or ulterior motives. The warning is to discern the heart of the giver, not just the gift itself.
* **"neither desire thou his dainty meats:"**: This second clause reinforces the first through parallelism, extending the warning to "dainty meats" (delicacies or savory food), which represent more luxurious or tempting offerings. More importantly, it shifts from the outward act of "eating" to the inward inclination of "desiring." The prohibition is not merely against the physical consumption but also against the internal longing or coveting of what such a person offers, highlighting the danger of being drawn in by the allure of the gift, regardless of the giver's true character.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:6 employs several effective literary devices. The central device is **Metaphor**, where the "evil eye" (Hebrew: *ʻayin raʻ*) serves as a powerful image for a person with a grudging, stingy, or envious disposition, whose outward generosity belies an inner malevolence. This is not a literal physical condition but a spiritual and moral one. 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 consumption to inward desire. The use of "bread" and "dainty meats" creates a **Merism**, representing the full range 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 form.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply connects to the biblical emphasis on the heart's true condition and the nature of genuine generosity. It underscores that outward actions, even seemingly benevolent ones, are meaningless or even dangerous if they do not flow from a pure heart. God values sincere giving and warns against hypocrisy, where actions are performed for show 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 and cheerfully, without grudges or expectations of return. This principle extends beyond literal meals to all forms of interaction and exchange, urging believers to exercise discernment in their relationships and to guard their own hearts against the very "evil eye" they are warned to avoid in others.

* [Proverbs 23:7](/proverbs/23-7 "Proverbs 23:7 - As a Man Thinks in His Heart")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Matthew 6:22-23](/matthew/6-22 "Matthew 6:22-23 - The Eye is the Lamp of the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:6 remains profoundly relevant in contemporary life, urging us to cultivate spiritual discernment in an age where appearances can be deceiving. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial allure of gifts, favors, or opportunities, and to carefully consider the character and underlying motives of the giver. In a world often driven by self-interest and transactional relationships, this proverb calls us to guard our integrity by avoiding entanglements that could compromise our values or lead to unhealthy obligations. It encourages us to prioritize genuine relationships built on sincerity and mutual respect, rather than those based on manipulative gestures or grudging generosity. Ultimately, it serves as a call to both wisdom in receiving and integrity in giving, fostering a community where generosity flows from a truly open and benevolent heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern the true motives of others, especially when they offer help or favors?**
* **In what situations might I be tempted to accept something that comes with hidden strings or from a grudging heart?**
* **How does this proverb challenge me to examine my own heart when I offer generosity to others? Am I giving cheerfully, or with an "evil eye"?**

### FAQ

**What does "the bread of him that hath an evil eye" truly mean in this proverb?**

Answer: 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 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. Therefore, "the bread of him that hath an evil eye" refers to food or hospitality offered by someone whose heart is not truly open or benevolent, but is instead characterized by a covetous or resentful spirit, as further clarified in [Proverbs 23:7](/proverbs/23-7 "Proverbs 23:7 - As He Thinks in His Heart").

**Why is it dangerous to eat or desire the food from someone with an "evil eye"?**

Answer: In ancient cultures, sharing a meal created a bond and implied a level of obligation. Eating the food of someone with an "evil eye" could be dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, it could lead to an unhealthy spiritual or relational entanglement, as the giver's grudging spirit might subtly influence or manipulate the recipient. Secondly, accepting such hospitality might create a perceived debt or obligation, making it difficult for the recipient to act with integrity or speak truthfully later on. The proverb warns against compromising one's conscience or freedom by accepting what appears to be a gift but is, in essence, a transaction steeped in ill will or ulterior motives. It's about protecting one's spiritual and moral well-being by discerning the heart behind the hand that offers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:6, with its warning against the "evil eye" and its call for discerning motives, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the proverb cautions against the grudging giver, Christ exemplifies the truly generous Giver, whose sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of self-giving love, free from any "evil eye" or ulterior motive ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Though He Was Rich, Yet For Your Sakes He Became Poor")). His invitation to "eat" of His body and "drink" of His blood in the New Covenant is an offer of genuine, life-giving sustenance, given freely and without reservation, contrasting sharply with the deceptive hospitality warned against in Proverbs ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood")). Furthermore, Jesus frequently exposed the hypocrisy of those who performed religious acts for show rather than from a pure heart, echoing the proverb's emphasis on inner motive over outward appearance ([Matthew 6:1-4](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1-4 - Giving in Secret")). He taught His followers to give generously and cheerfully ([Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you")), and to be discerning, recognizing people by their fruits rather than their deceptive words or gestures ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits")). Thus, Christ not only warns against the "evil eye" but perfectly embodies the benevolent heart from which all true blessings flow.

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

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.

Proverbs 23:3

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

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.

Daniel 1:10

And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king.

Deuteronomy 15:9

Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

Proverbs 28:22

¶ He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Deuteronomy 28:56

The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,