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Proverbs 23

35 verses

TL;DR

A collection of admonitions urging careful conduct with wealth, food, wine, family, and relationships, emphasizing wisdom, discipline, and reverence for God.

Summary

The chapter opens with counsel about dining with a ruler and avoiding self-indulgence, warning that wealth is fleeting and food from the wicked can be deceitful. It advises against seeking the riches of the evil eye and cautions that such desires lead to loss. The text then urges attentive listening to wise instruction, and stresses the importance of correcting children without excessive harshness. Family loyalty is highlighted, encouraging respect for parents and celebrating a wise child's success. The warnings continue with dangers of wine and the temptations of lustful women, depicting their perilous consequences. Throughout, the passage contrasts the righteous who find joy in wisdom with those who indulge in excess, calling for a fear of the LORD as the guiding principle.

Outline
  1. Conduct in the presence of authority and wealth
  2. Discipline, family loyalty, and the value of wisdom
  3. Warnings against excess: wine, women, and folly
Themes
Wisdom vs. follyDiscipline and family responsibilitiesDangers of excess and deception
Keywords
wisdomricheswinedisciplineprostitutionfoolLordinstruction
People
rulerfathersonmotherLord
Places
seafields
Things
knifebreadwinerodrichestruthwisdominstructionknowledgeprostitution
Key Verses
  • Proverbs 23:3: Warns against the deceptive nature of food offered by the wicked.
  • Proverbs 23:5: Illustrates the fleeting nature of wealth, urging focus on more lasting values.
  • Proverbs 23:13: Stresses the importance of correcting children wisely without resorting to excessive harshness.
  • Proverbs 23:20: Highlights the perils of excessive drinking and gluttony.
  • Proverbs 23:27: Depicts the danger posed by prostitution and immoral relationships.
Questions
  • How does Proverbs 23 present the contrast between wisdom and folly?
  • What practical advice does the chapter give regarding family discipline?
  • In what ways are excesses such as wine and lust depicted as harmful?
  • Why is reverence for the LORD emphasized throughout the passage?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains both admonitory warnings and encouraging reminders.