Bible Strands
Proverbs 23:2
and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom author addresses a person seated at a ruler's table, speaking at the moment before eating begins. The instruction occurs during the immediate decision point of dining, where judgment must precede consumption.
The words — The Hebrew verb שַׂמְתָּ (samta) means "you will put," and the noun לֹעֶךָ (lo'ekha) means "your throat." Paired with שַׁכִּין (sakhkin, "a knife"), the literal phrasing commands placing a blade against the throat.
The thread — The text's warning against appetite-driven deception runs parallel to the New Testament calls for radical self-denial in Matthew 18:8 and bodily discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:27. It also corresponds to the apostolic condemnation of those whose god is their belly in Philippians 3:19.
Why it lands — The text states that a master of appetite must physically restrain itself to avoid deceptive indulgence. It asks the reader to exercise immediate, tangible control over desire before judgment is compromised.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
Cross-references
- Philippians 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
- Matthew 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire.
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.