What we pursue

In this chapter, we see warnings concerning what we pursue in life.

Solomon starts by saying,

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.  (Proverbs 23:1-3)

In other words, be careful of seeking only material satisfaction, in this case, food.

Solomon notes that when you eat with a ruler, or any person of power or influence, to be very aware of what they are serving, and equally importantly, who they are. 

Consider why they have invited you to dine with them.  If you don’t, they may deceive you into agreeing to something that could lead you to disaster, simply by wining and dining you. 

People who are only concerned with their stomachs are often easily deceived.

Even if they are not, gluttony can destroy their lives.  How many people do you know suffer from health problems because of what and how much they eat? 

So Solomon warns,

Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.  (20-21)

Solomon also notes in these verses the dangers of alcohol. 

He goes into great detail about the consequences of alcoholism and drunkenness at the end of the chapter. 

Alcoholics find sorrow and strife in their lives (29). 

They suffer physically, and their minds become confused (32-33). 

Worse, they become so addicted, they can’t see all the damage that’s being done to their lives.  They only think about the next drink.  (35)

Other people pursue wealth.  All they think about is getting more money. 

But Solomon writes,

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. 

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.  (4-5)

In other words, wealth is a temporary thing.  When you die, you can’t bring any of it to heaven.  Worse, as Paul says,

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Money in itself is not evil.  But so many people, in their pursuit of money, have shipwrecked their marriages, their families, their relationships, and even their very lives. 

But even more importantly, as Paul points out, many have shipwrecked their own faith.

Still other people pursue sexual pleasure.  Sex as God designed it, namely, as something to be enjoyed within marriage, is a good thing.  But so many people pursue it outside of marriage to their own sorrow. 

Solomon warns,

A prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well. 

Like a bandit she lies in wait, and multiplies the unfaithful among men.  (27-28)

How many people’s, health, marriages, and ministries have been ruined because they took something good and turned it into something bad by pursuing it the wrong way?

So how should we live?  Solomon tells us.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. 

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.  (17-18)

In short, don’t pursue what the world pursues.  Don’t desire what the world seeks.  Rather, pursue God. 

If we do, Solomon promises that we will have hope for the future.  And that hope will never be cut off.