Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23
Verses 1-35
CHAPTER 23
Pr 23:1-35.
1. Avoid the dangers of gluttony.
Verses 2
2. put a knife—an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.
Verses 3
3. are deceitful meat—though well tasted, injurious.
Verses 4
4, 5. (Compare 1Ti 6:9, 10).
thine own wisdom—which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.
Verses 5
5. Wilt … eyes—As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.
Verses 6
6-8. Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted.
evil eye—or purpose (Pr 22:9; De 15:9; Mt 6:23).
Verses 7-8
8. The morsel … words—that is, disgusted with his true character, all pleasant intercourse will be destroyed.
Verses 9
9. (Compare Pr 9:8). "Cast not your pearls before swine" (Mt 7:6).
Verses 10
10, 11. (Compare Pr 22:22, 23).
Verses 11
11. redeemer—or avenger (Le 25:25, 26; Nu 35:12), hence advocate (Job 19:25).
plead … thee—(Compare Job 31:21; Ps 35:1; 68:5).
Verses 12
12. Here begins another series of precepts.
Verses 13
13, 14. While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.
Verses 14-15
15, 16. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.
Verses 16
16. my reins—(Compare Ps 7:9).
Verses 17
17, 18. (Compare Margin). The prosperity of the wicked is short.
Verses 18
18. an end—or, "hereafter," another time, when apparent inequalities shall be adjusted (compare Ps 37:28-38).
Verses 19
19-21. guide … way—or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (compare Pr 4:4; 9:6).
Verses 20
20. riotous … flesh—prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of "their flesh" (compare Margin), better, "flesh to them," that is, used for pleasure.
Verses 21
21. drowsiness—the dreamy sleep of the slothful.
Verses 22
22. Hearken—that is, obey (Pr 1:8; Eph 6:1).
despise … old—Adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed.
Verses 23
23. Buy—literally, "get" (Pr 4:5).
truth—generally and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds.
Verses 24
24, 25. (Compare Pr 10:1; 17:21, 25).
Verses 25-26
26-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness (Ho 4:11).
give me—This is the address of that divine wisdom so often presented (Pr 8:1; 9:3, &c.).
heart—confidence.
observe—keep.
my ways—such as I teach you (Pr 3:17; 9:6).
Verses 27
27, 28. deep ditch—a narrow pit, out of which it is hard to climb.
lieth in wait—to ensnare men into the pit, as hunters entrap game (compare Pr 22:14).
Verses 28
28. increaseth … transgressors—(Pr 5:8-10). The vice alluded to is peculiarly hardening to the heart.
Verses 29
29, 30. This picture is often sadly realized now.
mixed wine—(Compare Pr 9:2; Isa 5:11).
Verses 30-31
31. when … red—the color denoting greater strength (compare Ge 49:11; De 32:14).
giveth … cup—literally, "gives its eye," that is, sparkles.
moveth … aright—Perhaps its foaming is meant.
Verses 32
32. The acute miseries resulting from drunkenness contrasted with the temptations.
Verses 33
33, 34. The moral effects: it inflames passion (Ge 19:31, 35), lays open the heart, produces insensibility to the greatest dangers, and debars from reformation, under the severest sufferings.
Verses 34-35
35. awake—that is, from drunkenness (Ge 9:24). This is the language rather of acts than of the tongue.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.