Proverbs 23:3

Do not crave that ruler’s ¹  delicacies, for ²  that food is deceptive. ³ 

Ps 141:4; Pr 23:6; Da 1:8; Lu 21:34; Eph 4:22

¹ tn Heb “his”; the referent (the ruler mentioned in v. 1) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

² sn The final line gives the causal clause: The impressive feast is not what it appears to be; the king is not doing you a favor, but rather wants something from you or is observing you (K&D 17:104); cf. TEV “he may be trying to trick you.”

³ sn Verses 1-3 form the sixth saying about being cautious before rulers (cf. Instruction of Amememope, chap. 23, 23:13-18). One should not get too familiar with rulers, for they always have ulterior motives. The Mishnah cites Gamaliel as warning that a ruler only draws someone into his court for his purpose, but in their day of trouble he will not be there to help them (m. Abot 2:3).