Proverbs 23 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

23:1

Avoid the dangers of gluttony.

23:2

put a knife — an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.

23:3

are deceitful meat — though well tasted, injurious.

23:4-5

(Compare 1 Timothy 6:9, 1 Timothy 6:10).

thine own wisdom — which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.

23:5

Wilt eyes — As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.

23:6-8

Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted.

evil eye — or purpose (Proverbs 22:9; Deuteronomy 15:9; Matthew 6:23).

23:8

The morsel words — that is, disgusted with his true character, all pleasant intercourse will be destroyed.

23:9

(Compare Proverbs 9:8). “Cast not your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6).

23:10-11

(Compare Proverbs 22:22, Proverbs 22:23).

23:11

redeemer — or avenger (Leviticus 25:25, Leviticus 25:26; Numbers 35:12), hence advocate (Job 19:25).

plead thee — (Compare Job 31:21; Psalm 35:1; Psalm 68:5).

23:12

Here begins another series of precepts.

23:13-14

While there is little danger that the use of the “divine ordinance of the rod” will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.

23:15-16

The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil‘s progress is a motive to diligence.

23:16

my reins — (Compare Psalm 7:9).

23:17-18

(Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.

23:18

an end — or, “hereafter,” another time, when apparent inequalities shall be adjusted (compare Psalm 37:28-38).

23:19-21 way — or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Proverbs 4:4; Proverbs 9:6).23:20

riotous flesh — prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of “their flesh” (compare Margin), better, “flesh to them,” that is, used for pleasure.

23:21

drowsiness — the dreamy sleep of the slothful.

23:22

Hearken — that is, obey (Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1).

despise old — Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.

23:23

Buy — literally, “get” (Proverbs 4:5).

truth — generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.

23:24-25

(Compare Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 17:21, Proverbs 17:25).

23:26-35

A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness (Hosea 4:11).

give me — This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented (Proverbs 8:1; Proverbs 9:3, etc.).

heart — confidence.

observe — keep.

my ways — such as I teach you (Proverbs 3:17; Proverbs 9:6).

23:27-28

deep ditch — a narrow pit, out of which it is hard to climb.

lieth in wait — to ensnare men into the pit, as hunters entrap game (compare Proverbs 22:14).

23:28 transgressors — (Proverbs 5:8-10). The vice alluded to is peculiarly hardening to the heart.23:29-30

This picture is often sadly realized now.

mixed wine — (Compare Proverbs 9:2; Isaiah 5:11).

23:31 red — the color denoting greater strength (compare Genesis 49:11; Deuteronomy 32:14).

giveth cup — literally, “gives its eye,” that is, sparkles.

moveth aright — Perhaps its foaming is meant.

23:32

The acute miseries resulting from drunkenness contrasted with the temptations.

23:33-34

The moral effects: it inflames passion (Genesis 19:31, Genesis 19:35), lays open the heart, produces insensibility to the greatest dangers, and debars from reformation, under the severest sufferings.

23:35

awake — that is, from drunkenness (Genesis 9:24). This is the language rather of acts than of the tongue.