Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies, for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten, and waste your pleasant words. (Proverbs 23:6-8 ESV)
13 more sayings fill the 23rd chapter of Proverbs covering a range of subjects some of which relate to a similar theme.
A number of the sayings are again counsel given from a parent to a son even for the safe upbringing of children There are also instructions that relate to the relationship people have with alcohol and excess. Good counsel as well, that evocatively portrays the as leading to results from such a close affinity to going overboard.
It’s the ninth saying that intrigues me most at the moment. Imagine being invited somewhere to enjoy the hospitality of a stingy person. Someone who evidently is so keen on looking after the pennies that you’re not necessarily their first concern. Such a person lacking in warmth and generosity does not have your best interests at heart. Not even your second best interests.
The wisdom offered in the saying is very interesting. As in to make sure you don’t indulge or even engage in what they offer. It’s cause to make me consider if my hospitality to others would fall in this category and if others would likewise be classed as such a stingy person.
As it inspires those thoughts it also goes to a long way in encouraging a great warmth and generosity to others so that they will be blessed by what is offered and not lead to induce vomit.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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