Proverbs 23:1
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When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
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Wining and dining is a powerful thing. Lobbyists, politicians, whoremongers, and salesmen use it as a tool to break down the inhibitions and resistance of their targets. Could you resist, if a President's motorcade picked you up to eat at the most expensive restaurant in the city? Solomon warned his son about the dangerous and seductive power of luxurious eating and drinking with a man out to corrupt or harm you (23:1-8).
The warm and friendly atmosphere, the flattering words, the luscious wine, the sumptuous meats, and the delicate pastries are a plate of lies! They distract your mind from perceiving the intents of your host. They disarm you from vigilance by relaxing your soul. They obligate you to return the favor by granting his request. They addict your senses to a pampered lifestyle by exposing you to the finery of life. Could you resist?
The book of Proverbs is a book teaching wisdom - the power of right judgment, knowing what to do in any situation. It teaches discernment - the ability to perceive a situation in spite of deceit and distraction. It teaches discretion - knowing when to say, No! And the warning here is clear: do not let the extraordinary delight of a situation cloud your judgment or blind your soul from recognizing the temptation and danger at hand.
No matter how delicious the meal may appear, smell, and taste, it is deceitful meat (23:1-3)! It is vain meat, for his prosperity will disappear soon (23:4-5)! It is distracting meat, for his heart is not with you, no matter how flattered and pampered you feel by his words and provision (23:6-7)! It is poisonous meat, for it will come back up as vomit when you realize how it was used to snare your soul and ruin your life (23:8)! Ignore the flattering toasts! Despise the fabulous taste! Diligently consider the hidden agenda of the meal!
The lesson is broader than appears (Ps 119:96). Of course, the specific danger of fine wine, food, and a wealthy host is the primary object. But Solomon warned against any kind of seduction that hides the giver's motives or goals. Evil communications corrupt good manners no matter how attractively they are disguised (I Cor 15:33)! Diligently consider the food, or any other fancy trappings, to perceive the risk at hand. Only fools dive in and enjoy the entertainments without considering the poison in the cup!
Dinah violated this lesson, when she foolishly went to visit the pagan girls of Canaan: she was no match for Prince Shechem (Gen 34:1-3). Countless young and innocent girls have lost their purity or virginity by the manipulative draw of a young man (30:19). The warning is clear! Diligently look past appearances and attractions to the intent and goal! It is the duty of fathers to protect their daughters from such situations and temptations.
Since Proverbs addresses young men, particularly Solomon's son, the warnings are about the strange woman - a whore or adulteress. In his graphic parable of seduction, Solomon described the trappings a conniving seductress used to tempt her vulnerable victim to his death (7:6-23). What is the secret to resisting such women? Do not look at them or think about them (6:25; Job 31:1; Matt 5:28). You apply the proverb by considering beyond the beauty and flattery to the hidden death and hell (2:18; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18)!
Bless God for true heroes! Daniel was not impressed at all by the king's wine and meats, when he was put on the fast track in Babylon (Dan 1:1-16)! He had purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the seductive diet! He diligently considered what was before Him and saw the danger of disobeying His God. And Joseph defied the advances of Potiphar's wife, when young and alone down in Egypt (Gen 39:1-18).
But the lesson is not over yet! False churches also set a table! They wine and dine foolish souls with stained glass, professional organists, beautiful buildings, elaborate rituals, entertaining sermons, suave and debonair ministers, youth programs, rock music, and activities for the kids. Heresy tastes best with good words and fair speeches (Rom 16:17-18; II Cor 11:13-15). But hid in the meal is the poison of false doctrine and practice. Consider diligently what is before thee! Prove it safe first (Acts 17:11; I Thess 5:21).
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