When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well[1] what[2] is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.[3] Do not crave[4] his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.[5]
Proverbs 23.1-3
This is the first of three sayings (23.1-3, 4-5, 6-8) which pertain to greed of one type or another. The phrase “do not crave his delicacies” appears in both this saying and in saying eight (6-8).
This saying follows on the heels of the last saying, which tells us that competent individuals will serve before Kings. But once they arrive in the king’s court, they need to be discerning about the ruler’s real intentions. “The counsel that one’s powers be employed in the service of kings is followed by a warning against the dangers of a too confidential intercourse with powerful and honorable men.”[6]
The Hebrew word translated “what” could also be translated “who”. Note what is before you, but also, note who is before you.[7] There might be an impressive feast before you, but also take into account who you’re with. Be aware of your surroundings. Discern what’s really going on. Hold back some of your trust. Don’t be naïve about the ruler’s invitation to dine with him.
This prohibition is one of being greedy for power and wealth when you dine with a superior. If you do become greedy, you’ll probably make the mistake of interpreting his invitation to dinner as a sign that he is interested in your friendship when, more likely, he either wants something from you or is closely watching you for his own reasons.
In addition, lack of self-discipline in eating usually reveals a lack of self-discipline in other areas.[8] When we dine with those who are disciplined in their eating, we can know that we are dining with someone who is disciplined in other areas too. This is one reason why gluttony is considered a sin: it is not in line with the fruit of the Spirit of self-discipline (Galatians 5.22-23).
Being around people who hold economic, social or political power can be intoxicating. We may see a path to power, wealth or just a better life by “buddying up” to someone with power and status. We may conclude that if we develop a solid relationship with this superior, then there will be benefits for us personally which will flow from this relationship.
Usually, with great wealth comes great power. It is a rare person who voluntarily chooses to give up (or at least throttle) the power which wealth brings. This is one of the benefits of realizing we are not owners of wealth, but stewards. Even though we might own wealth in a worldly sense, we act within our covenant relationship with God in which we recast our role as stewards of that which God owns.[9] Stewards are not powerful people in and of themselves. Taking on a role of stewardship means giving up wealth and power. Doing so is an act of discipleship within our covenant relationship with God. We refrain from using our wealth to our advantage. Instead, we intentionally disadvantage ourselves by stewarding our wealth in ways which advantage the Kingdom of God.
When God transforms our minds (Romans 12.1-2) and our hearts (Matthew 6.33), we no longer desire to be powerful. We learn that power has significant downsides and can be a heavy burden to bear. Yet God calls some of us to leadership positions that include significant power. But those who walk closely with God seldom use their power. True disciples of Jesus Christ are not authoritarian in their leadership style unless circumstances force them to be this way for brief periods of time. Instead, they are servant-leaders, preferring to be collaborative instead of authoritarian. They prefer to serve others as the starting point of their leadership. They bear in mind that there is One infinitely more powerful than they and they will someday have to give an account of their words and actions to Him.
Disciples of Jesus Christ note well what is before them and they exhibit self-control, not just with the amount of food they ingest, but in saying “no” to the temptations to pursue wealth and power. And they are repulsed by Christians who use power and authority to step on others as they build their empires – whether those are for-profit businesses or non-profit ministries. Disciples of Jesus Christ desire truth, not appearances. They pursue what is real, not that which is fake. They understand that they already have a covenant relationship with the incomparable God who is all-powerful. They don’t need the company of men who are wealthy and powerful. They have God. And that is enough.
[1] “note well”: בין, to observe with care or pay close attention to.
[2] “what”: אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֥ר, what or who. The phrase could be translated “note who is before you” and may be a “deliberate ambiguity” by the author.
[3] “given to gluttony”: נֶ֣פֶשׁ, a craving understood in terms of the throat.
[4] “do not crave”: אַל־תִּ֭תְאָו, do not want strongly or have a desire for.
[5] NIV Proverbs 23.1-3
[6] Zöckler, 200.
[7] Lennox, 239.
[8] Lennox, 239.
[9] To learn more, see The Foundation of Stewardship, bibleandbusiness.com.
