Proverbs 23

23:1-3 Saying 6: Many proverbs address young men in government service. A ruler’s rich fare might tempt a novice to overindulge through lack of self-control. But he will be vulnerable when sated.

23:4-5 Saying 7: Riches can be God’s blessing (3:9-10, 15-16; 10:22), but there are other things in life that are more important.

23:6-8 Saying 8: Proverbs puts a high premium on generosity (11:24-26; 21:13; 22:9).

23:9 Saying 9: Fools ignore advice (cp. 9:7-12; 10:18), so the wise do not waste their breath (see Matt 7:6).

23:10-11 Saying 10: The wise avoid unfair business practices and illegitimate gains (see 22:28), knowing that the Lord will judge wrongdoing. • Redeemer: The NLT is probably correct in capitalizing the word Redeemer and identifying him with God, although a human redeemer might be intended.

23:12 Saying 11: listen carefully: Learning is the way to improve (see 10:17; 13:1, 10; 15:24, 31-32; 17:10; 19:24).

23:13-14 Saying 12: See 19:18; 29:17.

23:15-16 Saying 13: A wise parent will rejoice in a wise child (see 10:1).

23:17-18 Saying 14: Sometimes sinners prosper, but the wise will see that to fear the Lord is what ultimately rewards (see 1:7).

23:19-21 Saying 15: Discipline is necessary for living a wise and balanced life. Overindulgence in drink (drunkards, see also 23:29-35), food (gluttons, see also 23:1-3), or sleep (see also 10:5; 19:15) results in poverty.

23:22-25 Saying 16: This saying is an exhortation to pursue the wisdom that a godly father and mother provide. Unlike other ancient Near East wisdom texts, Proverbs attributes wisdom to both father and mother (1:8; 6:20).

23:26-28 Saying 17: Falling for a promiscuous woman is a trap, not a source of benefit. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes avoiding sexual relations outside of marriage (see ch 5; 6:20-35; 7:1-27).

23:29-35 Saying 18: This extended saying portrays the foolishness of the person who overindulges in alcohol (see 20:1).