Proverbs 23:1
New International Version
When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,

New Living Translation
While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.

English Standard Version
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you,

Berean Standard Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you,

King James Bible
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

New King James Version
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;

New American Standard Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you,

NASB 1995
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you,

NASB 1977
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;

Legacy Standard Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Understand well what is before you,

Amplified Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is [set] before you;

Christian Standard Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you,

American Standard Version
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee;

Contemporary English Version
When you are invited to eat with a king, use your best manners.

English Revised Version
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently him that is before thee;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, pay close attention to what is in front of you,

Good News Translation
When you sit down to eat with someone important, keep in mind who he is.

International Standard Version
Whenever you sit down to dine with a ruler, carefully think about what is before you.

Majority Standard Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you,

NET Bible
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you,

New Heart English Bible
When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;

Webster's Bible Translation
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

World English Bible
When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
When you sit to eat with a ruler, "" Diligently consider that which [is] before you,

Young's Literal Translation
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Thou considerest diligently that which is before thee,

Smith's Literal Translation
If thou shalt sit to eat with a ruler, understanding, thou shalt understand what is before thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
When thou shalt sit to eat with a prince, consider diligently what is set before thy face.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When you sit down to eat with a leader, pay close attention to what has been set before your face,

New American Bible
When you sit down to dine with a ruler, mark well the one who is before you;

New Revised Standard Version
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
WHEN you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is set before you,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If you sit to dine with a Ruler, perceive what is set before you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider well him that is before thee;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If thou sit to sup at the table of a prince, consider attentively the things set before thee:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
True Riches
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.…

Cross References
Daniel 1:8
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.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Psalm 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.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 9:27
No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Ecclesiastes 10:16-17
Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. / Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.

Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

1 Peter 4:3
For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.

Luke 21:34
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.

Philippians 3:19
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

1 Timothy 6:8-10
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. / Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Proverbs 25:16
If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.

1 Corinthians 6:12
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.

Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Isaiah 28:7-8
These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. / For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth.


Treasury of Scripture

When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you:

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Care Carefully Consider Considerest Diligently Dine Eat Feast Note Observe Ruler Seat Sit Sittest Thought
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Proverbs 23
1. Consider carefully what is before you














When you sit down
The phrase "when you sit down" suggests a deliberate action, a moment of pause and reflection. In the Hebrew context, sitting down to a meal was not merely about eating but about fellowship and relationship-building. The act of sitting indicates readiness and willingness to engage. It is a moment of potential influence and learning, especially in the presence of someone of higher status, such as a ruler. This phrase invites the reader to be mindful and intentional about the company they keep and the situations they enter.

to dine
Dining in ancient times was a significant social event, often involving more than just the consumption of food. It was a time for discussion, negotiation, and the strengthening of social bonds. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on hospitality and the sharing of meals. To dine with someone, especially a ruler, was an honor and a privilege, indicating a level of trust and respect. This phrase underscores the importance of being aware of the social dynamics and the potential implications of the meal.

with a ruler
A "ruler" in this context refers to someone in a position of authority and power. In the ancient Near East, rulers were often seen as representatives of divine authority, and their favor was highly sought after. The presence of a ruler at a meal would elevate the occasion, making it a matter of political and social significance. This phrase serves as a reminder of the influence and potential consequences of interactions with those in power. It calls for wisdom and discernment in such situations.

consider carefully
The instruction to "consider carefully" is a call to mindfulness and prudence. The Hebrew root of this phrase implies weighing options, understanding the implications, and being aware of the subtleties of the situation. It is a warning against impulsiveness and a reminder to be thoughtful and strategic. In the presence of a ruler, where words and actions can have significant consequences, careful consideration is essential.

what is set before you
"What is set before you" refers to more than just the physical food on the table. It encompasses the entire situation, including the intentions of the host, the potential traps or tests, and the broader context of the meal. In the ancient world, sharing a meal could be a gesture of peace or a prelude to betrayal. This phrase encourages the reader to be discerning and to look beyond the surface, understanding the deeper meanings and possible outcomes of the encounter.

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.

Verses 1-3. - A hexastich closely connected with the last verse of the preceding chapter, as if the warning was addressed to the man of skill whom his talents had made the guest of kings. Verse 1. - When thou sittest to eat with a ruler. This, of course, would be a great honour to a man of lowly birth, or to one of the middle class, to whom the manners of courts and palaces were practically unknown. Consider diligently what is before thee. So the Vulgate, Qua apposita sunt ante faciem tuam; and the Septuagint, Τὰ παρατιθέμενά σοι. Take heed lest the unusual dainties on the table tempt thee to excess, which may lead not only to unseemly behaviour, but also to unruly speech, revealing of secrets, etc. But the latter words may also be tendered, "him that is," or, "who is before thee." And this gives a very appropriate sense. The guest is enjoined to fix his attention, not on the delicate food, but on the host, who is his superior, and able to exalt and to destroy him (compare the cautious maxims in Ecclus. 13:2, 6, 7, 11, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you sit down
תֵ֭שֵׁב (ṯê·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

to dine
לִלְח֣וֹם (lil·ḥō·wm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

a ruler,
מוֹשֵׁ֑ל (mō·wō·šêl)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign

consider
בִּ֥ין (bîn)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

carefully
תָּ֝בִ֗ין (tā·ḇîn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

what
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

is set before you,
לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:1 When you sit to eat (Prov. Pro Pr)
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