Proverbs 23:8

KJV

The morsel [which] thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

KJV (with Strong's)

The morsel {H6595} which thou hast eaten {H398} shalt thou vomit up {H6958}, and lose {H7843} thy sweet {H5273} words {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The little you eat you will vomit up, and your compliments will have been wasted.

Berean Standard Bible

You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.

American Standard Version

The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, And lose thy sweet words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:8 delivers a potent warning against accepting superficial generosity from those with malicious or calculating intentions. It vividly portrays the profound regret and self-inflicted harm that results from partaking in such deceptive hospitality, likening the experience to a physical expulsion of something repulsive. Furthermore, the proverb cautions that such compromise will inevitably lead to a loss of one's integrity, credibility, and the ability to speak words of wisdom or grace, effectively silencing one's moral authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger section of "sayings of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which offers practical wisdom for daily living and moral conduct. Specifically, Proverbs 23:8 directly follows the admonition in [Proverbs 23:6-7](/proverbs/23-6 "Proverbs 23:6-7 - Warning Against a Stingy Host"), which warns against dining with someone described as having an "evil eye" or being inwardly calculating and miserly, despite outward appearances of hospitality. The "morsel" in verse 8 is the very food offered by such a deceptive host, and the subsequent "vomiting up" and "losing sweet words" are the painful consequences of having accepted their tainted generosity. The passage emphasizes that true character, not outward display, dictates the value of an interaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality was a sacred social obligation and a cornerstone of community life. Sharing a meal created a bond of trust and mutual obligation. To offer food was an act of welcome and intimacy, and to accept it was to enter into that relationship. However, this cultural norm could also be exploited. A host with an "evil eye" (a common idiom for envy, stinginess, or malevolence) might offer hospitality not out of genuine generosity but for manipulative purposes, to gain leverage, or simply to appear virtuous while harboring ill will. The proverb highlights the danger of such insincere hospitality, where the act of eating could metaphorically "poison" the guest, leading to social disgrace or moral compromise.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. It underscores the vital importance of **discernment**, urging the reader to look beyond surface appearances and perceive the true intentions of others, especially when gifts or favors are offered, as seen in the broader call for wisdom in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - The Primacy of Wisdom"). It vividly illustrates the **consequences of compromise**, showing that accepting what seems like a benefit from an unrighteous source can lead to profound regret and a desire to undo the action, akin to the physical act of expelling something harmful. Finally, it highlights the invaluable nature of **integrity and reputation**, suggesting that engaging in such compromised relationships can lead to a loss of one's moral standing and the power of one's "sweet words," echoing the emphasis on a good name in [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name Is Preferable to Riches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Morsel (Hebrew, _path'_):** H6595, meaning "a bit; meat, morsel, piece." This word typically refers to a piece of bread or food, often a small portion. In this context, it signifies the seemingly innocuous or tempting offering from the deceptive host. It's not a grand feast, but even a small "morsel" can carry profound and negative implications when its source is corrupted.
* **Vomit up (Hebrew, _qôwʼ'_):** H6958, meaning "to vomit; spue (out), vomit (out, up, up again)." This is a highly visceral and repulsive image. It conveys not just regret, but a deep, involuntary revulsion and a forceful expulsion of something that has become unbearable or harmful after consumption. It speaks to the utter disgust and desire to undo the act of partaking.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." This term is broad, encompassing speech, pronouncements, matters, or affairs. When combined with "sweet" (H5273, _nâʻîym_, meaning "delightful, pleasant"), it refers to pleasant, gracious, or wise words—words that carry influence, credibility, or moral authority. The loss of these "sweet words" implies a forfeiture of one's ability to speak effectively, honorably, or persuasively, perhaps due to shame, complicity, or a tarnished reputation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The morsel [which] thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up":** This clause paints a vivid picture of extreme regret and revulsion. It suggests that having accepted and consumed the seemingly pleasant offering from a person of ill intent, the recipient will later find it so repugnant or harmful that they will wish to expel it forcefully. This is a metaphor for the deep remorse, disgust, or negative consequences that arise from having compromised one's principles or associated with the unscrupulous. The initial pleasure or benefit derived from the "morsel" is utterly negated by the subsequent, overwhelming sense of sickness and rejection.
* **"and lose thy sweet words":** This second clause describes the social and reputational consequence of the compromise implied in the first. "Sweet words" refer to one's ability to speak with grace, wisdom, integrity, or persuasive power. By partaking in the tainted "morsel," the individual forfeits their moral authority, credibility, or good name. This loss could manifest as an inability to offer counsel, a tarnished reputation that renders their words ineffective, or a personal shame that silences their voice. The pleasantness and influence of their speech are irrevocably corrupted or diminished.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:8 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its warning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the physical act of eating a "morsel" and "vomiting it up" serves as a vivid representation of accepting a deceptive offer and then experiencing profound regret or negative consequences. This **Imagery** is highly visceral, designed to evoke a strong emotional response and emphasize the repulsive nature of the outcome. The phrase "lose thy sweet words" is also a **Metaphor**, symbolizing the forfeiture of one's integrity, influence, and ability to speak truthfully or gracefully. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synthetic parallelism, where the second line expands upon the thought of the first. The physical consequence of vomiting up the morsel is paralleled with the social and moral consequence of losing one's sweet words, linking internal disgust to external reputational damage. The strong, almost exaggerated language of "vomit up" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extreme nature of the regret and the desire to undo the ill-advised action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on wisdom, discernment, and the profound importance of integrity in all dealings. It teaches that true wisdom extends beyond superficial appearances, demanding an examination of the heart and motives behind actions, particularly those involving generosity. The "morsel" represents any seemingly attractive offer or benefit that comes with hidden strings, manipulative intent, or a compromise of one's values. The theological implication is that God, who "searches the hearts" ([Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart")), desires His people to live with unblemished integrity, recognizing that true blessing comes from righteous sources and that ill-gotten gains ultimately lead to spiritual and social decay. The loss of "sweet words" underscores the biblical value of speech that is pure, edifying, and truthful, reflecting a heart aligned with God's character.
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:8 serves as a timeless cautionary tale for navigating relationships and opportunities in a world often driven by self-interest and hidden agendas. It challenges us to cultivate a discerning spirit, not to be easily swayed by superficial kindness or tempting offers that might come with a hidden cost to our integrity or reputation. In an age of transactional relationships, social media influence, and competitive environments, the "morsel" can take many forms: a business deal that requires ethical compromise, a social invitation that pushes moral boundaries, or even a piece of information that seems beneficial but is acquired through dishonest means. The "vomiting up" represents the inevitable regret, shame, or painful consequences that follow such compromises, while the "loss of sweet words" signifies the erosion of our credibility, our ability to speak truth with authority, and the dimming of our moral light. This proverb calls us to value our character and the purity of our influence above any fleeting gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "morsels" or seemingly attractive offers in your life might carry hidden costs or deceptive intentions?**
* **How might compromising your integrity for temporary gain lead to a "vomiting up" of regret or a "loss of sweet words" in your personal or professional life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate greater discernment in your relationships and decisions, aligning with biblical wisdom rather than superficial appearances?**

### FAQ
**What does "the morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up" mean?**

Answer: This vivid imagery is a metaphor for profound regret and revulsion. It means that if you accept a benefit or hospitality from someone with malicious or deceptive intentions, you will eventually find it so distasteful and harmful that you will wish to undo the act, experiencing deep disgust and possibly suffering negative consequences that make you regret ever having partaken. It's a warning against the hidden dangers of ill-gotten gains or compromised associations, suggesting that what seems sweet initially will turn bitter and cause internal sickness. The proverb emphasizes that true value lies in the integrity of the source, not just the appeal of the offering.

**What does it mean to "lose thy sweet words"?**

Answer: To "lose thy sweet words" means to forfeit your ability to speak with grace, wisdom, credibility, or moral authority. This can happen when your integrity is compromised by accepting a "tainted morsel." Your words, which should be pleasant, influential, and truthful, become tainted, ineffective, or are no longer trusted. It implies a loss of reputation, influence, or the moral standing necessary to offer counsel or speak persuasively. For example, if one compromises their ethics for personal gain, their future advice or teachings might be dismissed because their actions have undermined their credibility, as cautioned in [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "A Good Name Is Preferable to Riches").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment and illumination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns against the "morsel" of deceptive hospitality, Jesus himself is the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and offers living water, providing genuine spiritual nourishment that never leads to regret or spiritual sickness. Unlike the deceptive host, Christ's generosity is pure, motivated by unconditional love and self-sacrifice, as seen in His offering of His body and blood for the remission of sins ([Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly exemplifies the one whose "sweet words" were never lost but always full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). He consistently exposed hypocrisy and false appearances, challenging those who offered a "morsel" of outward piety while harboring inner corruption ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Through His atoning work, Christ cleanses us from the "vomit" of our own sin and compromise, enabling us, by His Spirit, to speak "sweet words" that are edifying and gracious, reflecting His character and bringing glory to God ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Edifying Speech")). He is the embodiment of uncompromising integrity, offering a relationship built on truth, not deception.

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.