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Proverbs 23:3

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 23:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.
Proverbs 23:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee;
2And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite.
3Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.
4Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom.
5Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For [riches] certainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.
6Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, Neither desire thou his dainties:
← Proverbs 23:2Proverbs 23:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Be not desirous of his dainties, etc.] His savoury food, which is very grateful to the taste, his rich provisions and royal dainties; do not lust after them, as the wordf620 signifies, in an immoderate way, as the Israelites lusted after the fleshpots in Egypt: these may be lawfully desired, but not sinfully lusted after; and in feeding on them nature may be satisfied, and not the sensual lusts gratified in such a manner they crave, which would be criminal; for they [are] deceitful meat; or, “bread of lies”f621: through the pleasant and agreeable taste of them, they lead on to luxury and excess before a man is aware, and so deceive him; they promise him a great deal of pleasure, but, being…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“are deceitful meat--though well tasted, injurious.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Dainties ... deceitful meat - Such as “savory meat,” venison Genesis 27:4, offered not from genuine hospitality, but with some by-ends. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Deceitful - They do not yield thee that satisfaction which thou didst expect from them. Proverbs 23:4”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 23:6; Psa 141:4; Dan 1:8; Luk 21:34; Eph 4:22 Proverbs 23:4”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 23 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification