23:1–3 This proverb advises caution when eating with someone in a position of authority. It specifically warns against overindulging. Rulers might notice such behavior and think less of a person. Alternatively, rulers might have ulterior motives—like the stingy man of vv. 6–7—and use the indulgence as an opportunity to require something from a guest.

23:4–5 This proverb does not condemn wealth; it warns against the pursuit of wealth. Ecclesiastes also warns about pursuit of wealth and its inability to satisfy (Eccl 5:10). It describes two situations: In one, a person pursues wealth but never enjoys it or finds satisfaction (Eccl 4:7–8). In the second, someone loses all their wealth and is left with nothing (Eccl 5:13–17).

23:6–8 This proverb warns against eating with a stingy person. The stingy person may appear hospitable and generous on the outside but is resentful and calculating inside (Prov 23:7).

23:10–11 This proverb warns against taking advantage of widows and orphans by seizing their property. Widows were especially vulnerable and depended on relatives to protect them, and this proverb asserts that God Himself will take up their case (Deut 10:18; Psa 68:6).

23:12–14 This proverb admonishes the reader to take discipline to heart and also to administer it to children. Discipline given now can keep children from later peril.

23:15–16 This proverb encourages a son to learn wisdom and in doing so make his parents happy. See 10:1.

23:17–18 This proverb warns against envying the wicked and encourages the righteous to look to the future instead. In doing so, it implies that sinners sometimes find success. This proverb resembles Psa 73, where the Psalmist feels envious of the success of the wicked (Psa 73:2–3) but regains confidence when witnessing their ultimate fate (Psa 73:16–17) and destruction (Psa 73:27).

23:19–21 This proverb warns against dissipation, specifically drunkenness and gluttony (compare Deut 21:20). The son has two ways he can go, and choosing the wrong one will land him among drunkards and gluttons—a sure path to ruin. The theme of drunkenness is continued later in Prov 23:29–35.

23:22–25 This proverb encourages the son to accept his parents’ instruction and to pursue wisdom. He will then gain wisdom and make his parents rejoice (see 10:1; 23:15–16).

23:26–28 This proverb warns about the destructive nature of the adulteress—a theme throughout Proverbs (e.g., Prov 2:16–19; 5:3–23; 6:23–35; 7:4–27; see note on 2:16).

23:29–35 This longer proverb addresses problems associated with drunkenness. It begins with a series of questions that list the issues faced by those who linger over wine (vv. 29–30). It warns against the initial allure of wine (v. 31) before describing the results of drunkenness. Verse 32 compares the effects of drunkenness to the bite of a snake. In v. 33, drunkenness affects people’s vision and causes them to stagger as if they were on a ship (v. 34). Oblivious to surroundings, the drunk foolishly seeks another drink (v. 35).