Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י׀
H3588
כִּ֤י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁעַ֥ר
For as he thinketh
H8176
שָׁעַ֥ר
For as he thinketh
Strong's:
H8176
Word #:
3 of 13
to act as gatekeeper; (figuratively) to estimate
בְּנַפְשׁ֗וֹ
in his heart
H5315
בְּנַפְשׁ֗וֹ
in his heart
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כֶּ֫ן
H3651
כֶּ֫ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְ֝לִבּ֗וֹ
he to thee but his heart
H3820
וְ֝לִבּ֗וֹ
he to thee but his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
11 of 13
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Psalms 12:2They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Judges 16:15And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.Proverbs 19:22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.Luke 7:39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.Daniel 11:27And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.
Historical Context
Hospitality customs in ancient Near East demanded feeding guests, even when resources were scarce. Some complied outwardly while inwardly resenting the cost, violating the spirit of generous welcome.
Questions for Reflection
- How genuine is your hospitality and generosity versus grudging compliance?
- What does your attitude while giving reveal about your heart's true condition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The miserly person's external invitation masks an unwilling heart—their calculation betrays their grudging generosity. This warns against receiving hospitality from those who give resentfully. It also challenges us to examine our own motives for giving, ensuring generosity flows from love, not compulsion.