Don’t Eat the Bread

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

“Eating the bread” was a loaded thought.  It meant that hospitality had been extended.  Sometimes is was expressed as eating a mans salt or sharing his table.  It meant acceptance and being a part of something.  It says something about who we are because of whom we are with. 

This is a popular theme of certain writers who want to extol the virtues of barbarians.  When I find a fantasy author I can enjoy, this is something that comes up in the stories often.  If you can get someone to offer you hospitality then you are safe in their camp and as you leave.  I don’t know if it is truly historical or just a meme. 

Whose bread are you eating?  Whom do you want to accept you?  What social circles or cliques do you really want to accept you?  Think about the times that you have adjusted your vocabulary because you want to impress people.  Think about how mature adults wear the fashions of teen idols thinking it will make them cool.

Beware of conformity to the world’s standards.  Remember the words of Paul,

(Romans 12:2 KJV)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I always think of J.B. Philips when I read this verse.  He starts it, “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold....”  Don’t eat their bread.

So?  Jesus is the bread of life.  What is your staple?  What is the center of your intellectual and spiritual diet?  Jesus wants to be the main course, not a condiment.