stephen R Harrison

For as a man thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you. – Proverbs 23:7

Like most of the chapters in Proverbs, chapter 23 is a collection of several of Solomon’s proverbs. This chapter deals with money, deception, thoughts, stealing, discipline, parenting, envy, lust, and drunkenness. While every man will have to grow in all these areas, let’s look at our thoughts and how they affect us. Solomon said, “For as a man thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you.” Who we are and become starts in our thoughts. Our thoughts shape our personality and reputation. The mind is an incredible gift from the Lord. With it, we can do amazing things. We can also use it in wicked ways. We must take our thoughts captive and make them obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

Let’s apply Proverbs 23:7 to the whole chapter. What should a man think about all the topics Solomon listed? Verses 1-3 help us not be deceived by someone in power bribing us with possessions. We must see beyond the gifts and into his motives. Godly men don’t go along with evil or look the other way when those in authority abuse their power. They may try to buy us off, but we must stand for the truth.

Verses 4-5 help godly men think rightly about money. We should not let making money consume our thoughts. We should think about the Lord. We can wear ourselves out trying to get rich when that’s all we think about. But if we are thinking wisely, we will show restraint. Riches are fleeting, but wisdom is eternal. 

Verses 6-8 deal with selfishness. If we are always thinking about ourselves, we will be selfish. We must not think about what others have and be jealous. Covetousness is a sin. Consuming the things of this world will cost us and make us miserable. 

Verse 9 reminds us to think about what we say in the presence of fools. Those who wish to harm us or others will use our words against us. They will twist them to their benefit. It’s better not to answer a fool (Proverbs 26:4). There isn’t any point in arguing with someone trying to trap you in your words.

Verses 10-11 caution us not to steal from others, especially the vulnerable. Godly men must think about whether their actions are manipulative or attempting to take advantage of the poor or most defenseless, like children, widows, and people in challenging circumstances. 

Verse 12 encourages us to think about discipline and knowledge. These will bless us. Versus 13-16 and 22-26 help us see the importance of disciplining our children and raising them in the truths of the Lord. Children are born with a bent toward sin. If left undisciplined, they will be consumed by it. Godly men must think about how to best disciple their children in the ways of the Lord. 

Verses 19-26 and 29-35 warn a man about the dangers of drunkenness and gluttony. Solomon’s advice is to think again before living in a wild manner. Our minds can be impaired by alcohol and other substances to the point of not being able to make sober judgments. These destructive habits can rob godly men and cause them much harm. Verses 27—28 teach us about the immoral woman or anything lustful. Evil thoughts lead to immoral actions. We cannot play around with lust, or it will burn us badly (Proverbs 6:27). We must flee anything to do with lust or immorality.

The Proverbs man thinks about all these paths that lead to sin and destruction and chooses the way of the Lord. We must think godly thoughts and take the Apostle Paul’s advice, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Questions to Ponder

1. In which of these areas has your thinking been most challenged?
2. What other Proverbs speak to these issues?
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. Write down your favorite verse about your thought life and plan to commit it to memory this week.
2. Read Proverbs 23 again. Ask the Lord to give you the mind of Christ in these areas.

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 4:23-27

Prayers to Pray

Jesus, I want to think the way you think about everything. Keep me far from how the world thinks about all the topics in Proverbs 23. I know my reputation begins in my thoughts. I want my thoughts to be pure and focused on the things of Christ. If my thinking is off or I am deceived, reveal it to me by the power of your Spirit and Word and help me obey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.