Proverbs 23 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study
Proverbs 23 Short Summary:
Proverbs 23 continues the short proverbs of Solomon that began in chapter 10. Solomon’s proverbs are recorded in Proverbs chapter 10 through chapter 29. These proverbs are typically short and concise statements of wisdom for the medication of the reader.
Proverbs 23 Summary
BREAKDOWN OF PROVERBS - CHART
DEFINITIONS:
To Desist (23:4) – To stop doing something.
Ancient Landmarks (23:10) – These were markers that indicated property rights. A landmark may have been set at the end of a man’s field to mark where his property ended and where his neighbor’s began (see Deuteronomy 19:14).
To be Gluttonous (23:20) – Doing things to excess.
Adder (23:32) – A poisonous snake.
HIGHLIGHTED PROVERBS:
PROVERB #1:
Proverbs 23:1-3 – “When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.”
When you are invited to dine with important people, keep your senses about you, and do not allow yourself to be intoxicated by the high society or the fine offerings.
The rich do not invite people to their table for no reason. They may be setting fine food in front of you and surrounding you with important company because they want something from you. Their hospitality is a deception, a way of winning you over so they can get what they want from you.
For application, we need to be aware and wise to the fact that some people use generosity and hospitality to achieve their ends. They’ll wine-and-dine you but there are strings attached.
A wise man can discern when generosity is selfless vs. selfish.
PROVERB #2:
Proverbs 23:22 – “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
A wise man gives his ear to his parents when they speak, even after growing into adulthood.
He won’t despise the advice he gets from his elderly parents.
Just because you grow up doesn’t mean you have nothing left to learn from your parents.
They can still help guide you through the phases of life you haven’t walked through yet.
Wise parents can help you raise your kids to be wise.
Parents are sometimes able to notice things about you that others can’t, and their close relationship with you puts them in a position to instruct you and sometimes correct you regarding things that others can’t.
If we are to honor those with gray hair (16:31 and 20:29) that applies first of all to our own parents.
PROVERBS #3:
Proverbs 23:17 – “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.”
Every day, we need to remind ourselves that Satan doesn’t have anything we want.
Satan doesn’t have anything that will make our lives better!
As children of God, we have nothing to envy about those living in sin.
Everything that Satan has that looks appealing is a deception. Every form of satisfaction he promises is trickery. Everything of substance he offers is a mirage.
In contrast, living in the way of the Lord is the most wholesome life. Everything about Him is virtuous, the satisfaction found in Him is deep, and His promises are rich and real.
