Fat Cakes
1
While dining with a ruler,
pay attention to what is put before you.
2
If you are a big eater,
put a knife to your throat;
3
don’t desire all the delicacies,
for he might be trying to trick you.
Verses 1-3
A ruler does not invite you so that you can taste his fine food. He invites you because he wants to discuss serious matters with you. You should not think much about his food or his wine. But you must think about your words. Your advice must be good. You need to speak wise words.
Solomon uses humor in verse 2. Normally you place your knife near your plate. But Solomon jokes that your knife should be near your neck. In your imagination, hold your knife there to warn you. Then you will remember that your life is short. You will remember not to be greedy. And you will remember to advise the ruler wisely.
Solomon continues his advice in verse 3. Be careful if an important person invites you to a special meal. He could want you to do something for him.
Nehemiah 2 explains this lesson. Nehemiah was the king’s servant. The king expected Nehemiah to be happy in the royal service. But Nehemiah had received sad news. So Nehemiah prayed to God. And he spoke carefully to the king. God answered Nehemiah’s prayer. And the king gave to Nehemiah the things that Nehemiah requested.
Think about this: This proverb doesn’t seem to apply to me much since I don’t often dine with kings or the super-rich. However, I have been to dinners where get-rich-quick schemes or discounted vacation homes are offered.
If the deals sound too good to be true, they probably are. These offers are like "deceitful food." Don’t risk your life savings on a plan that only works because of a tricky tax loophole the host discovered. As Verse 3 warns, if you indulge too eagerly, you may regret it later.
Struggle to Standing. Available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/ev3YUqw
Website at https://www.wisdomfortheday.org
Support the show and Community Membership
I Love You!
See Ya!