Proverbs 23:6-8 is a passage that offers insight into the nature of those who are stingy and the consequences of dining with them. The specific verse you’re asking about, Proverbs 23:6, is often translated as:
“Do not eat the bread of a miser,
nor desire his delicacies;” (NKJV)
or
“Do not eat the food of a stingy person,
do not crave his delicacies;” (NIV)
To understand the meaning of this verse, let’s break it down:
Eat the bread of a miser: The phrase “eat the bread of a miser” metaphorically refers to accepting hospitality or food from someone who is known for being stingy or miserly. The “bread” here symbolizes the basic necessities or generous offerings one might receive as a guest.
Miser (or stingy person): A miser is someone who hoards money or resources, often to an excessive degree, and is reluctant to part with them. Such a person might appear generous on the surface, especially in a social setting like dining, but their generosity is usually superficial or self-serving.
Nor desire his delicacies: This part of the verse cautions against craving or desiring the luxurious or fine foods (“delicacies”) that a stingy person might offer. It’s not just about avoiding the act of eating with them but also about not coveting or envying the riches or luxuries they display.
The passage as a whole (Proverbs 23:6-8) provides a warning about the company one keeps and the lessons that can be learned from it. Dining with a stingy person can lead to several negative outcomes, such as:
- Insincerity and Manipulation: The miser might use their hospitality as a tool for manipulation, offering luxuries to influence or control others.
- Internal Conflict: Accepting such hospitality could lead to feelings of obligation or guilt, especially if the host’s intentions are not pure.
- Missing the True Value: Focusing on the material luxuries provided by a stingy person can distract from what truly matters in relationships and personal growth.
The wisdom offered in Proverbs 23:6 encourages discernment in one’s relationships and interactions, especially when it comes to those who might use generosity as a façade for their true, selfish intentions. It promotes a life of authenticity, genuine relationships, and a focus on what truly enriches one’s life beyond material possessions or fleeting pleasures.
