When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite; don't desire his choice food, for that food is deceptive.

Proverbs 23:1-3 CSB

Who knew that "put a knife to your throat" was in the Bible!

The first part of this proverb held a warning about the agenda's of others, of those in power, but the writer doubles down on this with a graphic picture of how deceptive people can be, how they make their deception seem so attractive. 

And. 

Just how easily I can fall for it. My heart can be deceived. 

Which is why the writer here is so graphic about protecting ourselves, protecting our hearts which can be so easily deceived. 

Protecting our boundaries. 

The Bible is clear about the ugliness that abounds in our world, and to protect ourselves from it. We also have an obligation to protect those who are young, those who are vulnerable, the marginalised, those who can't see the deceit, can't see the predator, the abuser, the user of others, because they wrap it all up in an attractive package, the image here is choice food. 

Let's not be naive as we chew on this ancient wisdom.

#proverbs

#wisdom

#somethingtochewon