Lexus Appetites, Kia Budgets

(Pro 23:1 KJV) When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

These first three verses have a common idea behind them but like much scripture they can be taken literally and figuratively. The straight literal meaning of this will never apply to most people: We will never “eat" (dine NASB) (3898b) with a “ruler” (4910). In spite of that you could look at this as an Emily Post moment. Consider the people who could fill the position of being important to your future. Instead of ruler you could imagine your employer at the head of the table. Or consider someone who might be you future mother-in-law watching which fork you select for the salad. Your table manners count.

We generally are not willing to “carefully consider” (995) our choices and options. At a table this has real concerns. In life, it is good advice. This is a word that means “discern” or “understand.” We need to look to the long term consequences of choices we make. Too often we only look at the moment and forget that there will be a tomorrow.

(Pro 23:2 KJV) And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

There is a danger in being a man of “appetite” (5315) {end} as Paul tells us:

Philippians 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is {their} appetite, and {whose} glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

At dinner, if you are trying to make a good impression, it is good not to be the last one scarfing food or to ask someone to pass the potatoes when everyone else has finished. It is better to go away hungry than rejected.

The figurative application takes us beyond table manners. There are many things in life that appeal to us. They are not always good for us. Although Proverbs is not addressing the causes of poverty here, the principle would still apply. Many people have a Lexus appetite with a Kia budget. Wisdom does not even pause by the Lexus showroom. It knows better. One reason people live in want is because they have misused the resources they have. Regardless of how you feel about the immigration issues, illegals come to this country, work for lower wages and still sent billions of dollars home. A citizen making much more is on the brink of bankruptcy.

God has promised to supply our needs, not our wants.