Proverbs 23:1-3 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
Five examples of men given to appetite: [1] Esau traded his birthright for one meal (Gen. 25:30-34). Temporary craving caused him to despise long-term spiritual blessing. His appetite ruled his judgment. [2] Isaac’s love for savoury food influenced his decisions concerning Esau and caused hatred between his sons (Gen. 25:28; 27:4). Personal appetite weakened spiritual discernment. [3] Nabal feasted excessively and became drunk during a time requiring wisdom and humility (1Sam. 25:36). His indulgence reflected pride and foolishness. [4] Belshazzar held a great feast while judgment approached his kingdom (Daniel 5). In the midst of pleasure and pride, the handwriting appeared on the wall announcing his downfall. His appetite blinded him to spiritual danger. [5] False teachers (Php. 3:18-19). Paul said of some: “whose god is their belly.” Their lives were governed by earthly desires instead of truth and righteousness.
Proverbs 23 teaches that appetite is a good servant but a terrible master. Whether the appetite is for food, wealth, pleasure, honour, or luxury, wisdom requires self-government. A disciplined person can stand before rulers with dignity, but a person ruled by appetite eventually loses honour, discernment, and stability.
To be continued…
Living the Word 