Old Testament
Proverbs 23:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Do not crave his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.
Compare translations
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
What Proverbs 23:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns against being tempted by the luxurious food and pleasures offered by others, particularly those who may not have our best interests at heart. The term 'delicacies' refers to rich and appealing foods that can entice us. However, the verse emphasizes that such offerings can be misleading or deceptive. They may seem attractive on the surface, but they can lead to negative consequences or distract us from what is truly important. The underlying message is to be cautious about what we desire and to recognize that not everything that appears appealing is beneficial. Instead of being swayed by external temptations, we should focus on our values and what truly nourishes our well-being, both physically and spiritually.
How to apply Proverbs 23:3 to your life
In our daily lives, we should be mindful of what we are drawn to, especially when it comes to material possessions or indulgent lifestyles. Instead of chasing after superficial pleasures, we should seek fulfillment in meaningful relationships and spiritual growth. This helps us avoid being misled by deceptive appearances.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 23:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 23:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 23:3 mean?
Proverbs 23:3 advises against being tempted by the luxurious food and pleasures offered by others. It highlights that these enticing offerings can be misleading and may lead to negative consequences.
What is the meaning of 'delicacies' in Proverbs 23:3?
'Delicacies' in Proverbs 23:3 refers to rich and appealing foods that can attract us. The verse warns that such tempting items may not be good for us and can distract us from what truly matters.
How can I apply Proverbs 23:3 in my life?
To apply Proverbs 23:3, be mindful of your desires and avoid chasing after material possessions or indulgent lifestyles. Instead, prioritize meaningful relationships and spiritual growth for true fulfillment.
What themes are present in Proverbs 23:3?
The themes in Proverbs 23:3 include temptation, deception, desire, caution, and true nourishment. It emphasizes the importance of being aware of what we pursue and its potential impact on our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.