Proverbs 23 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
CHAPTER 23 Pr 23:1-35 . 1. Avoid the dangers of gluttony.
2. put a knife-- an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.
3. are deceitful meat-- though well tasted, injurious.
4-5. (Compare 1Ti 6:9 , 10 ). thine own wisdom-- which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.
6-8. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted. evil eye-- or purpose ( Pr 22:9 ; De 15:9 ; Mt 6:23 ).
9. (Compare Pr 9:8 ). "Cast not your pearls before swine" ( Mt 7:6 ).
10-11. (Compare Pr 22:22 , 23 ).
12. Here begins another series of precepts.
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.
15-16. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.
17-18. (Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.
19-21. guide ... way-- or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Pr 4:4 ; 9:6 ).
22. Hearken-- that is, obey ( Pr 1:8 ; Ep 6:1 ). despise ... old-- Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.
23. Buy-- literally, "get" ( Pr 4:5 ). truth-- generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.
24-25. (Compare Pr 10:1 ; 17:21 , 25 ).
26-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness ( Ho 4:11 ). give me-- This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented ( Pr 8:1 ; 9:3 , &c.). heart-- confidence. observe-- keep. my ways-- such as I teach you ( Pr 3:17 ; 9:6 ).