Proverbs 23:1
Proverbs 23:1 in Multiple Translations
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you,
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee;
When you take your seat at the feast with a ruler, give thought with care to what is before you;
When you sit down for a meal with a ruler, look carefully at what is placed before you,
When thou sittest to eate with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee,
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Thou considerest diligently that which [is] before thee,
When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
When thou shalt sit to eat with a prince, consider diligently what is set before thy face.
When you sit down to eat a meal with a ◄government official/king►, think carefully about what (OR, who) is in front of you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
תֵ֭שֵׁב
לִ/לְח֣וֹם
אֶת
מוֹשֵׁ֑ל
בִּ֥ין
תָּ֝בִ֗ין
אֶת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לְ/פָנֶֽי/ךָ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֵ֭שֵׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לִ/לְח֣וֹם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
מוֹשֵׁ֑ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal
בִּ֥ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Ptc
תָּ֝בִ֗ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לְ/פָנֶֽי/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:1
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תֵ֭שֵׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לִ/לְח֣וֹם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
מוֹשֵׁ֑ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בִּ֥ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Ptc
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
תָּ֝בִ֗ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לְ/פָנֶֽי/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:1
Context — Saying 7
1When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you,
2and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite. 3Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jude 1:12 | These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. |
| 2 | Genesis 43:32–34 | They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them. They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment. When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph. |
Proverbs 23:1 Summary
This verse is reminding us to be careful and thoughtful when we are in situations where we might be tempted to overindulge or act impulsively, such as when we are eating with someone important. It's like when Jesus said to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in Matthew 10:16, we need to be aware of what's going on around us and make good choices. By being mindful of what's set before us, we can avoid getting into trouble and instead make choices that honor God, as seen in Colossians 3:17. This is an important principle to remember in all areas of life, not just when we're eating with a ruler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to consider carefully what is set before you in Proverbs 23:1?
This means being mindful of the food and the company you are keeping, as seen in the example of Jesus being aware of the Pharisees' intentions in Luke 11:37-54, and also considering the potential consequences of overindulging, as warned in Proverbs 28:7.
Is this verse only talking about dining with a ruler, or is there a broader application?
While the verse specifically mentions dining with a ruler, the principle of being mindful of one's actions and the company they keep can be applied to many areas of life, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, where we are reminded to do everything to the glory of God.
How does this verse relate to the idea of being a good steward of the resources God has given us?
This verse can be seen as a reminder to be a good steward of the resources God has given us, including our time, talents, and physical bodies, as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where we are reminded that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
What is the significance of the ruler in this verse, and how does it relate to our everyday lives?
The ruler in this verse represents a person of authority or influence, and the principle of being mindful of one's actions in their presence can be applied to our relationships with people in positions of authority, such as bosses, teachers, or government leaders, as seen in Romans 13:1-7, where we are reminded to submit to those in authority.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to consider carefully what is set before me, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to those situations?
- How can I balance the desire to enjoy the pleasures of life with the need to be mindful of my actions and their consequences, as taught in Proverbs 23:1 and other scriptures?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of awareness and discernment in my daily life, and how can I use those skills to glorify God?
- How can I use the principle of considering carefully what is set before me to make wise decisions and avoid temptation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:1
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler,.... Either a supreme ruler, a king, or a subordinate ruler, a nobleman, a judge, a civil magistrate, a person of honour, dignity, and authority; and to sit at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:1
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: When thou sittest to eat with a ruler (taking up Proverbs 22:29, end), consider diligently what (food or dainty) is
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
CHAPTER 23 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, when thou art invited to a feast with a great man, consider diligently what is before thee; either 1. What person or persons. Or rather, 2. What things; what plenty and variety of meats and drinks, by which thou mayst easily be tempted to excess, and by that means induced to use such speeches or carriages as may be unfit for thee, or many ways hurtful to thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
Proverbs 23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what [is] before thee:Ver. 1. When thou sittest to eat.] See my Common Place of Abstinence. Consider diligently what is before thee.] And "feed with fear," lest thou lose by thy luxury that praise and preferment that thou hadst gotten by thine industry. ‘ Non minor est virtus quam quaerere parta tueri.’
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
XXIII. (1) Consider diligently what is before thee,—Rather, Who is before thee; that thy host is not an equal, but one who, if offended, might do thee deadly harm.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
CHAPTER XXIII Sobriety in eating and drinking, especially at the tables of the great. Have no fellowship with the covetous. Remove not the ancient landmark. Children should receive due correction. Avoid the company of wine-bibbers. Obedience to parents. Avoid lewd connections. The effect of an unfeeling conscience. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIII Verse 1.
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler] When invited to the table of thy betters, eat moderately. Do not appear as if half starved at home. Eat not of delicacies to which thou art not accustomed; they are deceitful meat; they please, but they do not profit. They are pleasant to the sight, the taste, and the smell; but they are injurious to health. These are prudential cautions; and should be carefully observed by all who would avoid the conduct of a clown, and desire to pass for a well-bred man.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:1
1. what] Rather, who. Be continually on your guard; let not the luxury that surrounds you betray you into forgetting in whose presence you are, for the favour of a ruler, an Eastern despot, is a dangerous thing.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:1
What is before thee - Beware lest dainties tempt thee to excess. Or, “consider diligently who is before thee,” the character and temper of the ruler who invites thee.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:1
1-3. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler — The first three verses of this chapter are closely connected, and pertain to one and the same topic.What — Some render who.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn |
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith gives fatherly exhortations and advice to his son. He emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in the crowd of drinkers and gluttons, a |
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Proverbs 23- How Does 23 Apply to Me? by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God's Word to transform our lives. It addresses the need to avoid being enticed by sin and to pursue truth |
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Jude by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being like charted wreaths, laden clouds, fruit-bearing trees, gentle waves, and fixed stars in our Christian walk, contrasting it with the |
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Jude - Mockers in Last Days by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of avoiding lasciviousness and denying the Lord Jesus Christ. He warns that there will be mockers who will creep into the fel |
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The Inner Man by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher shares his experience at a convention in Germany where he witnessed a crowded and lively gathering of preachers and attendees. However, he noticed that |
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You Will Reap What You Sow by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our actions. He uses the example of people who were sneaky and dishonest in taking free potatoes, |