What does Proverbs 23:8 mean?
This completes a warning (Proverbs 23:6–7) about taking hospitality from someone who is merely looking to manipulate their guest. That might mean thinking of a meal as an overt bribe, or an attempt to sway the guest's opinion. It can also apply to the person whose hospitality is insincere because they are upset about the cost. At the very least, wise persons should be cautious when accepting gifts or invitations (Proverbs 23:1–3).Every so often, a person invited to a meal or a cup of coffee will realize they were not brought there for friendly conversation. Instead, it may dawn on the guest that this is a sales pitch, an enticement to some business plan, or a cynical attempt to buy their affection. Such realization can hit hard—the guest might literally feel sick to their stomach, embarrassed that they've been fooled and have wasted their time. While expressing gratitude is always polite, it's natural for a person to feel that any thanks they offer for such a meeting was given under false pretenses.
The Devil used deceptive words to entice Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in Eden. He told Eve, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of [the tree of the knowledge of good and evil] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4–5). After falling for the Devil's flattery, Eve learned how distasteful sin is. The Devil has continued from the original temptation to hook victims into thinking they can disobey God without consequence, but the wages of sin are still the same: death (Romans 6:23).
Proverbs 23:1–11 continues a set of wise sayings recorded by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). This passage contains many wise sayings framed mainly as negative commands: beginning with the words, "Do not." These statements are longer than the succinct suggestions which make up most of the book of Proverbs. Solomon addresses matters such as cautious skepticism towards one's host, avoiding addiction to work, and integrity before both men and God.
This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.
