Proverbs 23:2 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

And put a knife to your throat if you are someone who has a big appetite.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is using dramatic imagery to warn against being controlled by excessive desire for food or other appetites.

📚 Historical Context

In the time of King Solomon, who is traditionally credited with writing much of Proverbs around 900 BC, ancient Israelite society often featured elaborate feasts where self-control was a key virtue for wise living. This verse uses dramatic imagery to warn against the perils of gluttony, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on moderation in a world where excess at meals could lead to physical and spiritual harm. It fits into the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, which aimed to guide people in practical, everyday decisions to honor God.

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