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Proverbs Chapter Study

Buy the Truth, and Sell It Not

Proverbs 23 (KJV)

Proverbs 23 warns against greed, gluttony, envy, drunkenness, sexual temptation, and chasing riches while calling the wise to discipline, truth, instruction, honoring parents, and living in the fear of the LORD.

What You’ll Learn

• Why wisdom requires discipline over appetite and desire
• Why riches are temporary and should not become your focus
• How truth, wisdom, and understanding should be treasured
• Why parents rejoice in righteous and wise children
• How sinful temptation traps and destroys lives
• Why drunkenness leads to sorrow, confusion, and bondage
• How the fear of the LORD protects the heart from envy and foolishness

Wisdom values truth over riches, discipline over appetite, sobriety over indulgence, righteousness over envy, and the fear of the LORD over the temporary pleasures of sin.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Proverbs 23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

Proverbs 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

Proverbs 23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Proverbs 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Proverbs 23:8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

Proverbs 23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

Proverbs 23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Proverbs 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

Proverbs 23:16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

Proverbs 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

Proverbs 23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

Proverbs 23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Proverbs 23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Proverbs 23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

Proverbs 23:28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

Proverbs 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

Proverbs 23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Proverbs 23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

Proverbs 23:34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

Proverbs 23:35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Proverbs 23:1

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

Study: Wisdom calls for discernment around people with influence and power. Spiritually, not every invitation or opportunity is harmless. Practically, wise people pay attention to motives, environments, and the possible cost of what is being offered.

Proverbs 23:2

And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

Study: Solomon uses strong language to warn against uncontrolled appetite. Spiritually, unchecked desire can rule the heart. Practically, wisdom requires discipline over cravings, impulses, and selfish consumption.

Proverbs 23:3

Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

Study: Attractive things can hide dangerous motives. Spiritually, temptation often appears pleasant before revealing its cost. Practically, wisdom does not chase luxury, flattery, or gain without discernment.

Proverbs 23:4

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Study: Wealth should not become the purpose of life. Spiritually, trusting human wisdom and riches leads away from dependence on God. Practically, work faithfully without making money your master.

Proverbs 23:5

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Study: Riches are temporary and uncertain. Spiritually, earthly wealth cannot provide lasting security. Practically, wisdom avoids building identity and hope upon possessions that can disappear quickly.

Proverbs 23:6

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

Study: Some generosity comes from selfish or manipulative hearts. Spiritually, wisdom looks beyond outward appearances. Practically, discern character carefully instead of being easily influenced by gifts or favors.

Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Study: A person’s true nature comes from the heart. Spiritually, inward thoughts shape outward behavior. Practically, character matters more than words because hidden motives eventually reveal themselves.

Proverbs 23:8

The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

Study: Deceptive relationships eventually produce regret. Spiritually, false fellowship leaves bitterness behind. Practically, wisdom avoids partnerships and influences rooted in manipulation.

Proverbs 23:9

Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Study: Foolish people reject wisdom because pride blinds them. Spiritually, truth requires humility to receive it. Practically, discernment helps recognize when counsel is being wasted on a hardened heart.

Proverbs 23:10

Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

Study: God condemns injustice against the vulnerable. Spiritually, the LORD cares deeply about fairness and protection. Practically, wisdom refuses to exploit weakness for personal advantage.

Proverbs 23:11

For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

Study: God Himself defends the oppressed and vulnerable. Spiritually, injustice invites divine judgment. Practically, taking advantage of others ultimately brings conflict with God.

Proverbs 23:12

Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

Study: Wisdom requires intentional attention and teachability. Spiritually, the heart must be willing to receive correction and truth. Practically, growth happens when instruction is applied instead of merely heard.

Proverbs 23:13

Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Study: Loving correction is part of wise training. Spiritually, discipline is not rejection but protection. Practically, children need faithful guidance, correction, and boundaries to help them avoid destructive patterns.

Proverbs 23:14

Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Study: Correction is presented as rescue from ruin. Spiritually, wisdom sees discipline as a means of turning a child from destruction. Practically, correction should be purposeful, loving, and aimed at long-term character.

Proverbs 23:15

My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

Study: A wise heart brings joy to those who love and guide you. Spiritually, wisdom begins inwardly before it shows outwardly. Practically, godly character blesses families, mentors, and communities.

Proverbs 23:16

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

Study: Right words reveal a heart shaped by wisdom. Spiritually, truth in the heart becomes righteousness in speech. Practically, wise words bring joy because they show maturity and understanding.

Proverbs 23:17

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Study: The heart must not envy the temporary success of sinners. Spiritually, the fear of the LORD steadies desire and perspective. Practically, wisdom chooses reverence over comparison.

Proverbs 23:18

For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Study: The righteous have a future hope beyond what is visible now. Spiritually, God’s promises outlast temporary appearances. Practically, wisdom waits on the LORD instead of envying short-term success.

Proverbs 23:19

Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

Study: Wisdom requires listening and guiding the heart. Spiritually, the heart should be led toward God’s way, not left to wander. Practically, wise living means directing desires, thoughts, and choices intentionally.

Proverbs 23:20

Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

Study: Wisdom avoids companionship built around indulgence. Spiritually, the people around you influence your appetite and direction. Practically, avoid environments where excess, drunkenness, or gluttony are celebrated.

Proverbs 23:21

For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

Study: Drunkenness, gluttony, and laziness lead to loss. Spiritually, uncontrolled appetite weakens discipline. Practically, excess can destroy resources, productivity, health, and stability.

Proverbs 23:22

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

Study: Wisdom honors parents and listens to godly instruction. Spiritually, honoring father and mother reflects humility before God’s order. Practically, do not dismiss aging parents or treat their wisdom with contempt.

Proverbs 23:23

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Study: Truth is worth the cost and must not be traded away. Spiritually, wisdom, instruction, and understanding are treasures from God. Practically, do not compromise truth for comfort, money, approval, or convenience.

Proverbs 23:24

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Study: Righteousness brings joy to the home. Spiritually, godly character is a blessing across generations. Practically, wise choices affect more than the individual; they bless parents, families, and communities.

Proverbs 23:25

Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Study: A wise life gives joy to parents. Spiritually, righteousness produces gladness where foolishness brings grief. Practically, your choices can honor those who raised, taught, and invested in you.

Proverbs 23:26

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Study: Wisdom asks for the heart, not just outward behavior. Spiritually, Godly instruction aims at inward devotion. Practically, true discipleship means giving attention, affection, and obedience to the way of wisdom.

Proverbs 23:27

For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

Study: Sexual sin is described as a trap that is hard to escape. Spiritually, impurity pulls the heart away from wisdom and faithfulness. Practically, avoid temptation before it becomes a pit.

Proverbs 23:28

She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

Study: Temptation is pictured as predatory and destructive. Spiritually, sin seeks to increase rebellion. Practically, wisdom recognizes danger early and refuses to walk into traps that have destroyed many others.

Proverbs 23:29

Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

Study: Solomon lists the painful results of drunkenness and addiction. Spiritually, sin creates sorrow, conflict, confusion, and harm. Practically, this verse forces the reader to look honestly at the fruit of destructive habits.

Proverbs 23:30

They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

Study: The source of these troubles is lingering in drunkenness. Spiritually, repeated indulgence strengthens bondage. Practically, wisdom avoids patterns and places that feed addiction or weaken self-control.

Proverbs 23:31

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

Study: Temptation often begins with attraction. Spiritually, the eyes can awaken desire before the heart falls. Practically, wisdom refuses to stare at what is designed to pull the soul into bondage.

Proverbs 23:32

At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Study: What looks appealing at first can become poisonous in the end. Spiritually, sin deceives before it destroys. Practically, drunkenness and addiction eventually bring pain, consequences, and regret.

Proverbs 23:33

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

Study: Drunkenness distorts vision, desire, and speech. Spiritually, intoxication weakens moral judgment. Practically, it opens the door to sexual temptation, foolish words, and destructive choices.

Proverbs 23:34

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

Study: Drunkenness creates instability and danger while dulling awareness. Spiritually, sin makes a person unsafe without realizing it. Practically, intoxication leaves people exposed to harm, foolish decisions, and loss of control.

Proverbs 23:35

They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Study: This verse shows the tragedy of addiction and repeated bondage. Spiritually, sin can numb conviction and create a cycle of return. Practically, wisdom recognizes the danger before harm becomes normal and seeks freedom before destruction deepens.

Proverbs 23 teaches wisdom through warnings about appetite, greed, envy, sexual temptation, and drunkenness. Solomon urges readers to value truth, instruction, discipline, and the fear of the LORD above temporary pleasures and riches. The chapter emphasizes honoring parents, receiving correction, guarding the heart, and living with self-control. It closes with one of the strongest biblical warnings against drunkenness, showing how intoxicating sin eventually leads to sorrow, confusion, and bondage.

Lord, help me walk in wisdom and self-control. Guard my heart from envy, greed, temptation, and the pursuit of temporary pleasures. Teach me to value truth, instruction, and understanding above worldly gain. Give me discipline in my thoughts, desires, and choices, and help me remain in the fear of the LORD all day long. Protect me from foolishness and lead me in righteousness before You. Amen.

• Read Proverbs 23 every day this week
• Memorize Proverbs 23:17, Proverbs 23:23, or Proverbs 23:31-32
• Identify one appetite or desire that needs stronger boundaries
• Ask God to strengthen your discipline and self-control
• Spend time studying truth and wisdom from Scripture this week
• Evaluate whether any relationships or habits are pulling you away from wisdom
• Pray for a heart that fears the LORD above worldly pleasure or approval

Proverbs 23 is a chapter about self-control, truth, wisdom, discipline, and guarding the heart from destructive desires. Solomon warns against greed, the pursuit of riches, envy, drunkenness, gluttony, and sexual temptation while calling the wise to receive instruction, honor parents, fear the LORD, and treasure truth above all else. The chapter shows that temporary pleasures often hide painful consequences, but wisdom brings stability, righteousness, and lasting hope before God.

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