1 The construction uses the imperfect tense of instruction with the infinitive absolute to emphasize the careful discernment required on such occasions. Cf. “note well”; “pay attention.”
2 Or “who,” referring to the ruler (so , , ).
3 The expression “put a knife to your throat” is an idiom that means “curb your appetite” or “control yourself” (cf. ). The instruction was from a time when people dealt with all-powerful tyrants. To enter the presence of such a person and indulge one’s appetites would be to take a very high risk.
4 Heb “lord of appetite.” The idiom בַּעַל נֶפֶשׁ (ba’al nefesh) refers to someone who possesses a large appetite (cf. “a ravenous appetite”). A person with a big appetite is in danger of taking liberties when invited to court.
5 Heb “his”; the referent (the ruler mentioned in v. 1) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6 The final line gives the causal clause: The impressive feast is not what it appears to be; the king is not doing you a favor, but rather wants something from you or is observing you (K&D 17:104); cf. “he may be trying to trick you.”
7 Verses 1–3 form the sixth saying about being cautious before rulers (cf. Instruction of Amememope, chap. 23, 23:13–18). One should not get too familiar with rulers, for they always have ulterior motives. The cites Gamaliel as warning that a ruler only draws someone into his court for his purpose, but in their day of trouble he will not be there to help them ( Abot 2:3).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

observe carefully what is before you,

and put a knife to your throat

if you are given to appetite.

Do not desire his delicacies,

for they are deceptive food.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

When you sit to dine with a ruler,

note well what is before you,

and put a knife to your throat

if you are given to gluttony.

Do not crave his delicacies,

for that food is deceptive.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

When you sit down to dine with a ruler,

consider carefully what is before you,

and put a knife to your throat

if you have a big appetite;

don’t desire his choice food,

for that food is deceptive.

NLTNew Living Translation

While dining with a ruler,

pay attention to what is put before you.

If you are a big eater,

put a knife to your throat;

don’t desire all the delicacies,

for he might be trying to trick you.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

When you sit to eat with a ruler,

you shall surely observe what is before you,

and you shall put a knife to your throat

if you have a big appetite.

Do not desire his delicacies,

for it is food of deception.

KJV 1900King James Version

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler,

Consider diligently what is before thee:

And put a knife to thy throat,

If thou be a man given to appetite.

Be not desirous of his dainties:

For they are deceitful meat.

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