Proverbs 23:6
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֶ֭חֶם
thou not the bread
H3899
לֶ֭חֶם
thou not the bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 9
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
רַ֣ע
of him that hath an evil
H7451
רַ֣ע
of him that hath an evil
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
5 of 9
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
עָ֑יִן
eye
H5869
עָ֑יִן
eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Psalms 141:4Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.Proverbs 23:3Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.Deuteronomy 15:9Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.Proverbs 28:22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.Proverbs 22:9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.Matthew 20:15Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?Deuteronomy 28:56The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
Historical Context
The 'evil eye' was a common ancient concept indicating jealousy, stinginess, or curse. Sharing meals was covenant-making activity, so eating with someone who had an evil eye was spiritually dangerous.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you discern people's true motives when they offer hospitality or benefits?
- Are you generous-hearted in your own hospitality, or do you give grudgingly?
- How can you cultivate sincere fellowship rather than manipulative social interactions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Don't eat the bread of one with an 'evil eye,' nor desire his 'dainty meats.' The 'evil eye' (Hebrew 'ra ayin') refers to stinginess, envy, or malicious intent. A grudging host's food brings no blessing. The parallel with verse 3 warns against meals with ulterior motives—whether from rulers or from envious hosts. Reformed theology values genuine fellowship over manipulative social transactions. We should prefer modest fellowship with sincere hearts over luxurious meals with hidden agendas.