Proverbs 23:1-11
Many thanks to Fred for his commentary on the Psalms over the last few weeks. Now it is September, and that puts us back into Proverbs for a while, which means you are stuck with me again. (Sorry about that…)
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.
Proverbs 23:1-2
A knife to your throat? Indeed. If a warning like that does not get our attention, I don’t know what would. So heads up! But what is the author talking about?
Do not desire his delicacies,
for they are deceptive food.
Do not toil to acquire wealth;
be discerning enough to desist.
Proverbs 23:3-4
Ah! There it is: bribery — dangling “goodies” in front of us to get us to support the ruler’s schemes. But such delicacies are deceptive, and we should not be taken in by them. They are also fleeting (Pr. 23:5) and ultimately sickening (Pr. 23:8).
Bribes come in all shapes and sizes and at any level of society. Parents bribe their children — and children their parents. Coaches bribe athletes. Criminals bribe law enforcement. Lobbyists bribe politicians, and politicians bribe voters. So be on your guard!
Although it is sometimes difficult to discern the difference between a legitimate incentive (e.g., wages paid for a job well done) and a bribe (e.g., a bonus paid to bend the rules), deep down, we know the difference. So guard against being taken in by the attractiveness of short-term “easy” gains and set your mind on doing what is right.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”
Matthew 4:8-10