Proverbs 23:6
Proverbs 23:6 in Multiple Translations
Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies;
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, Neither desire thou his dainties:
Do not take the food of him who has an evil eye, or have any desire for his delicate meat:
Don't accept meal invitations from miserly people; don't be greedy for their fancy food,
Eate thou not the bread of him that hath an euil eye, neither desire his deintie meates.
Eat not the bread of an evil eye, And have no desire to his dainties,
Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies,
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainties:
Eat not with an envious man, and desire not his meats:
If someone who is stingy invites you to a meal, do not eat a lot of his fine food,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:6
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 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּלְחַ֗ם
אֶת
לֶ֭חֶם
רַ֣ע
עָ֑יִן
וְ/אַל
תתאו
תִּ֝תְאָ֗יו
לְ/מַטְעַמֹּתָֽי/ו
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּלְחַ֗ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לֶ֭חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תתאו
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
תִּ֝תְאָ֗יו
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
לְ/מַטְעַמֹּתָֽי/ו
maṭʻam
H4303
delicacy
Prep | N-mp | 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 23:6
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּלְחַ֗ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
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
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.
לֶ֭חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תתאו
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
תִּ֝תְאָ֗יו
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
לְ/מַטְעַמֹּתָֽי/ו
maṭʻam
H4303
"delicacy"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to delicious or savory food, like a special treat. It is used to describe the fine foods enjoyed by kings and wealthy people. This word is often translated as 'dainty' or 'savoury meat'.
Definition: tasty or savory food, delectable food, dainties
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: dainty (meat), savoury meat. See also: Genesis 27:4; Genesis 27:17; Proverbs 23:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:6
Context — Saying 9
4Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.
5When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.
6Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies;
7for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 141:4 | Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies. |
| 2 | Proverbs 23:3 | Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. |
| 3 | Daniel 1:8–10 | But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself. Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 15:9 | Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. |
| 5 | Proverbs 22:9 | A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 28:56 | The most gentle and refined woman among you, so gentle and refined she would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground, will begrudge the husband she embraces and her son and daughter |
| 7 | Matthew 20:15 | Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ |
| 8 | Proverbs 28:22 | A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. |
| 9 | Mark 7:22 | greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. |
Proverbs 23:6 Summary
This verse is warning us against accepting gifts or hospitality from people who are selfish or miserly, because they may have ulterior motives. It's like someone inviting you to dinner, but only because they want something from you in return, as seen in Proverbs 23:7-8. The Bible teaches us to be generous and hospitable towards others, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, but we should also be wise and discerning about the company we keep and the gifts we accept, as advised in 1 Corinthians 15:33. By being cautious and wise, we can avoid getting entangled in unhealthy relationships or obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to eat the bread of a stingy man in Proverbs 23:6?
Eating the bread of a stingy man refers to accepting hospitality or gifts from someone who is miserly or selfish, as seen in the context of Proverbs 23:6, where it warns against craving their delicacies, for they may have ulterior motives (Proverbs 23:7).
Why should we not crave the delicacies of a stingy person?
We should not crave the delicacies of a stingy person because they may be trying to manipulate or obligate us, as indicated in Proverbs 23:7-8, where it says they are keeping track of the cost and may not have our best interests at heart, similar to the warning in Luke 12:15 against greed.
Is it wrong to accept gifts or hospitality from others?
Not necessarily, for the Bible teaches us to be hospitable and generous towards others, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 and Hebrews 13:2, but Proverbs 23:6 specifically warns against accepting from those who are stingy or selfish, as their motives may be impure.
How can we discern whether someone's intentions are pure or not?
We can discern whether someone's intentions are pure by observing their actions and motivations, as taught in Matthew 7:15-20, and by being mindful of the warning in Proverbs 23:6-8, which advises us to be cautious of those who may be trying to manipulate or obligate us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be craving the delicacies of a stingy person in my own life, and how can I guard against this?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of generosity and hospitality, as opposed to stinginess, in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some potential consequences of accepting gifts or hospitality from someone with impure motives, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
- In what ways can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 23:6 to my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I discern whether someone's intentions are pure or not?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:6
Eat thou not the bread of [him that hath] an evil eye,.... A sordid covetous man, that grudges every bit that is eaten, in opposition to a man of a good eye, or a bountiful one, that is liberal and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:6
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: An evil eye. Contrast "a bountiful eye," Proverbs 22:9. An envious, grudging, illiberal spirit (Matthew 20:15).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
Of him that hath an evil eye; of the envious or covetous man, who secretly grudgeth thee the meat which he sets before thee, as this phrase is used, ; as, on the contrary, a liberal man is said to have a good eye, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
Proverbs 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of [him that hath] an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:Ver. 6. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye.] That is, of a miserly muckworm, that wisheth thee choked for so doing, even then when he maketh greatest show of hospitality and humanity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
(6) Him that hath an evil eye.—A sordid, grudging temper.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
Verse 6. Of him that hath an evil eye] Never eat with a covetous or stingy man; if he entertains you at his own expense, he grudges every morsel you put in your mouth. This is well marked by the wise man in the next verse: "Eat and drink, saith he: but his heart is not with thee."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:6
6. evil] i.e. grudging. See Proverbs 22:9 note, and comp. Deuteronomy 15:9; Matthew 20:15. dainty meats] Better, dainties.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:6
A different danger from that of Pro 23:1. The hazard here is the hospitality of the purse-proud rich, avaricious or grudging even in his banquets.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:6
6-8. An evil eye — Is evil of eye: a metaphor denoting a malignant disposition or design — an envious, avaricious, or evil-designing mind.Deuteronomy 15:7-9; Matthew 20:15. The word ùׁ ?òø.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false |
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Dare to Be a Daniel by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and relying on the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ for salvation. He encourages believers to s |
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(Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act |
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1) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 1 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering four key words that represent divine principles and truth. He shares his personal struggle to be a spiritual Da |
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He Will Soon Rejoice in His Love by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God will do a work in believers, helping them understand true strength and truth. He assures that with this understanding, believers wi |
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(The Spiritual Man) Spiritual Mindedness by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking with God and living a spiritual lifestyle. He shares a personal experience of missionary work in Africa, highlight |