Young Man Declines the Ruler's Banquet CupBible World
23:3Proverbs 23:3
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
The delicacies in view belong to a ruler's table, rich foods set before a guest in a position of honor. They are called deceptive food because their appeal lies in immediate gratification of appetite while their effect can injure and corrupt the entire person. What pleases the taste therefore cannot be trusted as a guide to what builds up body and character.
For this reason the command is to exercise restraint at the table rather than yielding to desire for such foods. Appetite must be carefully watched and held under control as a central part of temperance. Guarding what is eaten becomes a moral duty, protecting the whole person from harm through indulgence.
The delicacies in view belong to a ruler's table, rich foods set before a guest in a position of honor. They are called deceptive food because their appeal lies in immediate gratification of appetite while their effect can injure and corrupt the entire person. What pleases the taste therefore cannot be trusted as a guide to what builds up body and character.
For this reason the command is to exercise restraint at the table rather than yielding to desire for such foods. Appetite must be carefully watched and held under control as a central part of temperance. Guarding what is eaten becomes a moral duty, protecting the whole person from harm through indulgence.