Proverbs 23:6 - Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies:
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Proverbs 23:6" mean?
Proverbs 23:6 warns against accepting hospitality or desiring the food of a person with a "stingy eye." Let's break down what that means:
"Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye...": This isn't just about literally refusing food. It's a figurative warning against relying on or accepting generosity from someone who is miserly or begrudging.
"Stingy eye": This is the key. The "stingy eye" refers to a person who is inwardly grudging, even while outwardly appearing hospitable. It describes someone who gives reluctantly, possibly more for show or to impress others than out of genuine generosity. They are probably keeping track of every expense, internally resenting the cost of hosting, and wishing they didn't have to share. Their generosity is not heartfelt.
"Don't crave his delicacies": This highlights the temptation to desire the good things offered, even if they come with a hidden cost. The "delicacies" represent the enticing things offered by this person—the seemingly generous gesture. But the verse warns against desiring them because of the potential emotional or relational strings attached.
In Essence: The verse is warning against the pitfalls of accepting favors from someone who isn't genuinely generous. Such a person's "hospitality" comes with strings attached, and you may end up paying a higher price emotionally or psychologically than the value of the food or favor. It's better to be content with less than to be indebted to a grudging giver.
Possible interpretations and reasons behind the warning:
Emotional Burden: Accepting generosity from a stingy person can create a sense of unease or obligation. You might feel indebted to them or worry about having to reciprocate in ways that are burdensome.
Manipulation: The stingy person might use their "generosity" as a way to control or manipulate you. They might later remind you of their kindness or expect you to do things you're uncomfortable with.
Hidden Resentment: The stingy person may harbor resentment for having to provide, and this resentment could manifest in other ways, damaging your relationship with them.
Better to earn your own: The verse could imply that it's better to provide for oneself than to rely on the begrudging generosity of others.
Practical application:
This verse teaches us to be discerning about the motives of others and to avoid situations where we might be taken advantage of or manipulated. It also encourages us to be genuinely generous in our own giving, without expecting anything in return. It's a call to value heartfelt generosity over outwardly impressive, but inwardly resentful, displays.
Proverbs 23:6 - Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies:
What does "Proverbs 23:6" mean?
Proverbs 23:6 warns against accepting hospitality or desiring the food of a person with a "stingy eye." Let's break down what that means:
"Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye...": This isn't just about literally refusing food. It's a figurative warning against relying on or accepting generosity from someone who is miserly or begrudging.
"Stingy eye": This is the key. The "stingy eye" refers to a person who is inwardly grudging, even while outwardly appearing hospitable. It describes someone who gives reluctantly, possibly more for show or to impress others than out of genuine generosity. They are probably keeping track of every expense, internally resenting the cost of hosting, and wishing they didn't have to share. Their generosity is not heartfelt.
"Don't crave his delicacies": This highlights the temptation to desire the good things offered, even if they come with a hidden cost. The "delicacies" represent the enticing things offered by this person—the seemingly generous gesture. But the verse warns against desiring them because of the potential emotional or relational strings attached.
In Essence: The verse is warning against the pitfalls of accepting favors from someone who isn't genuinely generous. Such a person's "hospitality" comes with strings attached, and you may end up paying a higher price emotionally or psychologically than the value of the food or favor. It's better to be content with less than to be indebted to a grudging giver.
Possible interpretations and reasons behind the warning:
Emotional Burden: Accepting generosity from a stingy person can create a sense of unease or obligation. You might feel indebted to them or worry about having to reciprocate in ways that are burdensome.
Manipulation: The stingy person might use their "generosity" as a way to control or manipulate you. They might later remind you of their kindness or expect you to do things you're uncomfortable with.
Hidden Resentment: The stingy person may harbor resentment for having to provide, and this resentment could manifest in other ways, damaging your relationship with them.
Better to earn your own: The verse could imply that it's better to provide for oneself than to rely on the begrudging generosity of others.
Practical application:
This verse teaches us to be discerning about the motives of others and to avoid situations where we might be taken advantage of or manipulated. It also encourages us to be genuinely generous in our own giving, without expecting anything in return. It's a call to value heartfelt generosity over outwardly impressive, but inwardly resentful, displays.