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STUDY 259

Text: Proverbs 23
11 June 2006

Dear Parents,

DECEPTIVE THINGS
One of the common themes found in the Book of Proverbs is the subject of “riches”. The following text identifies the following as “deceptive things”.

When you sit down with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you;
And put a knife to your throat
If you are a man given to appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
For they are deceptive food.

Proverbs 23:1-3

Many are drawn to desire friendship with powerful or influential people in the world. The scene has not changed very much today. Let us consider the following thoughts:-

1. Dining on delicacies

Powerful rulers can well afford to hold impressive functions. They are able to provide exotic dishes. The naïve individual may imagine many vain thoughts as he dines with the powerful ruler.

a) He may imagine that he is a person of some importance.

b) He may imagine that he is now in the “inner circle” of the ruler.

c) He may imagine that he may now enjoy the delicacies set before him.

2. “Deceptive food”

Powerful rulers have their own agenda when they host lavish feasts:

a) At such feasts he studies his guests, for people tend to let down their guard at feasts.

b) He will exploit the strengths and weaknesses of his guests to his own advantage.

c) Being a shrewd ruler, he will never reveal his hand to his guests.

“PUT A KNIFE TO YOUR THROAT”
What a powerful idea this is! How would a person enjoy delicacies placed before him if he has a knife at his throat. He won’t! That’s the whole idea behind this imagery. The wise would know just how to behave when he is invited to special feasts hosted by the ruler.

1. He must never let down his guard at any time.

2. He must learn to control his weaknesses… and many have a weakness for good food!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie