Proverbs 23:7
Proverbs 23:7 in Multiple Translations
for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
For as he thinketh within himself, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.
For as the thoughts of his heart are, so is he: Take food and drink, he says to you; but his heart is not with you.
for what they're thinking inside is what they really are. They say, “Come on, eat and drink!”—but in their minds they don't really care about you.
For as though he thought it in his heart, so will hee say vnto thee, Eate and drinke: but his heart is not with thee.
For as he hath thought in his soul, so [is] he, 'Eat and drink,' saith he to thee, And his heart [is] not with thee.
for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Because like a soothsayer, and diviner, he thinketh that which he knoweth not. Eat and drink, will he say to thee: and his mind is not with thee.
because he will be thinking about how much the food cost that you are eating. He will say to you, “Eat and drink all that you want!”, but that is not what he will really be thinking.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:7
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 23:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
כְּמוֹ
שָׁעַ֥ר
בְּ/נַפְשׁ֗/וֹ
כֶּ֫ן
ה֥וּא
אֱכֹ֣ל
וּ֭/שְׁתֵה
יֹ֣אמַר
לָ֑/ךְ
וְ֝/לִבּ֗/וֹ
בַּל
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
שָׁעַ֥ר
shâʻar
H8176
to calculate
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/נַפְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
כֶּ֫ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אֱכֹ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וּ֭/שְׁתֵה
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
יֹ֣אמַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/לִבּ֗/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms | Suff
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | 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 23:7
כִּ֤י
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.
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
שָׁעַ֥ר
shâʻar
H8176
"to calculate"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To calculate or estimate is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply acting as a gatekeeper. It appears in Proverbs 23:7, where it means to think or reason out something.
Definition: 1) to split open, reason out, calculate, reckon, estimate 1a) (Qal) to calculate Pr 23:7
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: think. See also: Proverbs 23:7.
בְּ/נַפְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
כֶּ֫ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
אֱכֹ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וּ֭/שְׁתֵה
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
יֹ֣אמַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/לִבּ֗/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:7
Context — Saying 9
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. 9Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 12:2 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. |
| 2 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 3 | Judges 16:15 | “How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!” |
| 4 | Matthew 9:3–4 | On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? |
| 5 | Luke 11:37–54 | As Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; so He went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. “Now then,” said the Lord, “you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you. Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without even noticing.” One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well.” “Woe to you as well, experts in the law!” He replied. “You weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger to lighten their load. Woe to you! You build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them. So you are witnesses consenting to the deeds of your fathers: They killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. Woe to you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” As Jesus went on from there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, waiting to catch Him in something He might say. |
| 6 | Luke 7:39 | When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!” |
| 7 | Proverbs 19:22 | The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar. |
| 8 | Daniel 11:27 | And the two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for still the end will come at the appointed time. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 13:26–28 | “If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked. But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons. Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” |
Proverbs 23:7 Summary
This verse warns us about people who seem friendly and generous but are actually selfish and calculating. They might invite us to eat and drink with them, but they're only thinking about what they can get from us, not about showing us genuine kindness. As it says in Luke 6:31, we should treat others the way we want to be treated, and be cautious of people who don't have our best interests at heart. By being wise and discerning, we can avoid getting hurt by people who are only looking out for themselves, and instead cultivate meaningful relationships with those who truly care for us, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:11 and 1 John 3:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'inwardly count the cost' in Proverbs 23:7?
This phrase means that the person is secretly calculating the expense of the food and drink they are offering, and their generosity is not genuine, as seen in their actions described in Proverbs 23:6 and Luke 6:38.
Why does the stingy man invite others to eat and drink with him if he doesn't really want to?
The stingy man may be trying to appear generous or friendly, but his true intentions are revealed in his actions, as warned in Proverbs 23:8 and Matthew 7:16-20.
How can we recognize and avoid people who are like the stingy man in Proverbs 23:7?
We can recognize them by their actions and words, as advised in Proverbs 23:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:33, and avoid them by being wise and discerning in our relationships, as taught in Proverbs 22:24-25 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
What is the main lesson or warning of Proverbs 23:7?
The main lesson is to be cautious of people who appear to be generous or friendly but have ulterior motives, and to seek genuine relationships with people who truly care for us, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:9 and John 15:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can discern whether someone's generosity is genuine or not?
- How can I avoid being deceived by people who appear friendly but have ulterior motives?
- What are some biblical characteristics of a genuinely generous person, and how can I cultivate those qualities in my own life?
- In what ways can I show genuine hospitality and generosity to others, as taught in Proverbs 19:17 and Hebrews 13:2?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he,.... He is not the man his mouth speaks or declares him to be, but what his heart thinks; which is discovered by his looks and actions, and by which he is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. For as he thinketh in his heart (grudgingly; not as his kind speeches would imply), so (is) he.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
As he thinketh in his heart, so is he: you are not to judge of him by his words, for so he professeth kindness, as it follows; but by the constant temper of his mind, which he hath fully discovered to all that know him by the course of his life. His heart is not with thee; he hath no sincere kindness to thee, but inwardly grudgeth thee that which he outwardly offers to thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee.Ver. 7. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.] Mens cuiusque is est quisque: - The man is as his mind is; or as he thinketh in his heart, so he speaketh. He cannot so dissemble, but that soon he blurts out some word, or shows some sign of his sordid disposition. Some read it thus: For as he grudgeth his own soul, so he will say unto thee, Eat, drink, &c. As he starves his own genius, and cannot afford himself a good meal’ s meat, so be grudgeth at his guests whom yet he bids welcome. Christ doth not so.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
(7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.—He is not really friendly and hospitable, as his words would imply, but he grudges every morsel thou takest, calculating its cost.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:7
7. thinketh in his heart] Rather, reckoneth within himself, R.V. Not by his liberal words, “eat and drink,” but by the mercenary reckoning of his heart, which is calculating meantime and grudging the cost, is he to be estimated.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:7
Thinketh - The Hebrew verb is found here only, and probably means, “as he is all along in his heart, so is he (at last) in act.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:7
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 23:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Mental Attitude by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so the |
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(Om Orientation) Discipline - Part 1 by Jonathan McRostie | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of disciplining our thoughts. He highlights that our thoughts play a crucial role in shaping our actions and words. The speake |
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Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys |
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The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #1 by John Owen | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of being spiritually minded and the dangers of being influenced by the world. The preacher emphasizes that the preaching and publishi |
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Giving Our Mind to Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting worldly desires and material possessions rule our lives. He encourages listeners to keep their focus on their |
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Spiritual Warfare Series - Fighting With Joy by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive truth and God's love, as it produces joy. He warns against dwelling on past hurts and encourages Chri |
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Do God's Work Watchfully by Friedel Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being watchful and discerning, as the enemy will try to destroy the work of God. When we dedicate our lives to the Lord, th |