New International Versionfor he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
New Living TranslationThey are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
English Standard Versionfor he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
Berean Standard Biblefor he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
King James BibleFor as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
New King James VersionFor as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.
New American Standard BibleFor as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.
NASB 1995For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.
NASB 1977For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.
Legacy Standard BibleFor as he calculates in his soul, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.
Amplified BibleFor as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, “Eat and drink,” Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].
Christian Standard Biblefor it’s like someone calculating inwardly. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
Holman Christian Standard Biblefor it’s like someone calculating inwardly.” Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
American Standard VersionFor as he thinketh within himself, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.
Contemporary English VersionPeople like that take note of how much you eat. They say, "Take all you want!" But they don't mean it.
English Revised VersionFor as he reckoneth within himself, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAs he calculates the cost to himself, this is what he does: He tells you, "Eat and drink," but he doesn't really mean it.
Good News Translation"Come on and have some more," he says, but he doesn't mean it. What he thinks is what he really is.
International Standard Versionfor as he thinks within himself, so he is. "Eat and drink!" he'll say to you, but his heart won't be with you.
NET Biblefor he is like someone calculating the cost in his mind. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you;
New Heart English Biblefor as he thinks about the cost, so he is. "Eat and drink." he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblefor he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
World English Biblefor as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor as he has thought in his soul, so he [is]. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, "" And his heart [is] not with you.
Young's Literal Translation For as he hath thought in his soul, so is he, 'Eat and drink,' saith he to thee, And his heart is not with thee.
Smith's Literal TranslationLike him estimating evil in his soul, so is he: Eat and drink, he will say to thee; and his heart not with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBecause like a soothsayer, and diviner, he thinketh that which he knoweth not. Eat and drink, will he say to thee: and his mind is not with thee.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor, like a seer and an interpreter of dreams, he presumes what he does not know. “Eat and drink,” he will say to you; and his mind is not with you.
New American BibleFor like something stuck in the throat is that food. “Eat and drink,” they say to you, but their hearts are not with you;
New Revised Standard Versionfor like a hair in the throat, so are they. “Eat and drink!” they say to you; but they do not mean it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor he is like him that swallows pitch; in like manner you will eat and drink with him, but his heart is not with you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedFor just as a man swallows a bristle hair, so you eat and drink with him and his mind is not with you. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For as one that hath reckoned within himself, so is he: 'Eat and drink', saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.
Brenton Septuagint Translationso he eats and drinks as if any one should swallow a hair, and do not bring him in to thyself, nor eat thy morsel with him:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context True Riches… 6Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies; 7forhe is keeping track,inwardlycounting the cost.“Eatand drink,”he saysto you,but his heartis notwith you.8You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.…
Cross References Matthew 12:34-35You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.
Luke 6:45The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Romans 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
James 1:8He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 4:8Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
2 Corinthians 10:5We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Colossians 3:2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Matthew 15:18-19But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.
Romans 8:5-6Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,
Jeremiah 17:9-10The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
Psalm 139:23-24Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.
Isaiah 55:8-9“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Genesis 6:5Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.
1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
Treasury of Scripture For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, said he to you; but his heart is not with you. as Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a manis his kindness: and a poor manis better than a liar. Matthew 9:3,4 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, Thisman blasphemeth… Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him sawit, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of womanthis is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. eat Judges 16:15 And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heartis not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strengthlieth. 2 Samuel 13:26-28 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee? … Psalm 12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour:with flattering lipsand with a double heart do they speak. Jump to Previous AlwaysCostDrinkEatFoodHeartInwardlyKindReckonedReckoningSoulThinkethThinkingThinksThoughtThoughtsWithinJump to Next AlwaysCostDrinkEatFoodHeartInwardlyKindReckonedReckoningSoulThinkethThinkingThinksThoughtThoughtsWithinProverbs 23 1.Consider carefully what is before youfor he is keeping track, inwardly counting the costThis phrase suggests a person who is calculating and insincere, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with outward actions. In biblical context, this can be compared to the Pharisees, who were often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy ( Matthew 23:27-28). The idea of "counting the cost" also echoes Jesus' teaching in Luke 14:28-30, where He advises considering the cost of discipleship. This phrase warns against superficial generosity that masks ulterior motives, a theme consistent with the wisdom literature's emphasis on discerning true intentions. “Eat and drink,” he says to you
This phrase reflects a common cultural practice of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern societies, where sharing a meal was a sign of friendship and alliance. However, the insincerity behind the invitation is highlighted here. In the broader biblical narrative, meals often symbolize fellowship and covenant (e.g., the Last Supper inLuke 22:19-20). The duplicity in this invitation contrasts with the genuine fellowship that God desires with His people, as seen inRevelation 3:20, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, offering true communion. but his heart is not with you
The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. This phrase underscores the disconnect between outward actions and inner intentions.Jeremiah 17:9 speaks to the deceitfulness of the heart, emphasizing the need for discernment. The lack of genuine intent here serves as a warning against trusting appearances. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of the heart's condition inMatthew 15:18-19, where He teaches that what comes from the heart defiles a person. This phrase calls for integrity and sincerity, aligning one's heart with one's actions, as exemplified by Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The HostThe person who invites others to eat and drink, but whose heart is not genuinely with them. This character represents someone who is deceitful or insincere. 2. The GuestThe individual who is invited to partake in the meal. This person is the recipient of the host's insincere hospitality. 3. The HeartIn Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of thought, emotion, and intention. It represents the true nature and motives of a person. 4. The MealA setting for social interaction and fellowship, often used in biblical times to signify friendship and covenant. 5. The Inner ThoughtsThe true intentions and thoughts of a person, which may differ from their outward expressions or actions. Teaching Points The Power of ThoughtOur thoughts shape our identity and actions. As believers, we must guard our hearts and minds, aligning them with God's truth. Sincerity in RelationshipsGenuine relationships require honesty and integrity. We should strive to be sincere in our interactions, reflecting Christ's love. Discernment in FellowshipBe discerning about the intentions of others. Not everyone who offers friendship has pure motives. Guarding the HeartProverbs 4:23 instructs us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. This is crucial for living a life that honors God. Reflecting Christ's CharacterAs Christians, we are called to reflect Christ's character in our thoughts and actions, ensuring our hearts align with His will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:7?
2.How does Proverbs 23:7 guide our thoughts to align with God's will?
3.What does "as he thinks in his heart" reveal about inner beliefs?
4.How can Proverbs 23:7 be connected to Philippians 4:8 on thoughts?
5.In what ways can we guard our hearts according to Proverbs 23:7?
6.How can Proverbs 23:7 influence our daily decision-making and actions?
7.What does "as he thinks in his heart, so is he" mean in Proverbs 23:7?
8.How does Proverbs 23:7 relate to the power of thoughts in shaping one's character?
9.Does Proverbs 23:7 suggest that our inner thoughts define our true identity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23?
11.What does the Bible say about overcoming negative thinking?
12.How can one truly love God?
13.What does surrendering to God mean?
14.What defines Transformational Psychology?What Does Proverbs 23:7 Mean Context mattersProverbs 23:6–7 says, “Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies; for he is keeping track; he is inwardly calculating. ‘Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” • The verses sit in a larger section (Proverbs 22:17–24:22) urging practical wisdom for daily living. • God warns against accepting hospitality from a stingy person because friendship that looks generous on the surface can mask selfish motives (Proverbs 22:24–25;Psalm 1:1–2). • Scripture consistently teaches that the company we keep shapes us (1 Corinthians 15:33;2 Thessalonians 3:6).
The calculating host“for he is keeping track; he is inwardly calculating.” • The host tallies every bite and sip, figuring out what you now owe him (Proverbs 28:22). • Outward generosity hides an inner ledger; Jesus condemned similar hypocrisy inLuke 11:39. • Such calculation flows from a heart ruled by self-interest rather than love (Titus 1:15).
The deceptive invitation“‘Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” • Words of welcome disguise ulterior motives—flattery with a hook (Psalm 55:21;Proverbs 26:24-26). • God exposes the disconnect between lips and life (Matthew 15:8;Jeremiah 9:8). • A deceptive offer endangers the guest by luring him into obligation or compromise.
The heart revealed• The true issue is the heart, the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). • God sees beyond appearances (1 Samuel 16:7) and judges thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12-13). • “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34); here, the mouth speaks kindly, but the heart contradicts the words.
Implications for us today• Discern motives: weigh actions as well as words (Philippians 1:9-10). • Guard your own heart from stinginess; give freely, “not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Cultivate sincere relationships marked by genuine love (Romans 12:9) and humble service (Philippians 2:3-4). • Refuse manipulative generosity; instead, practice open-handed kindness to those in need (James 2:15-16).
summaryProverbs 23:7 exposes the danger of accepting surface-level generosity from a person whose heart is driven by selfish calculation. God calls His people to discernment, sincerity, and wholehearted generosity, reminding us that true fellowship flows from a heart aligned with His, not from words that conceal hidden agendas. (7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.--He is not really friendly and hospitable, as his words would imply, but he grudges every morsel thou takest, calculating its cost. Verse 7. - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. The verb here used is שָׁעַר ( shaar), "to estimate, ....to calculate," and the clause is best rendered, For as one that calculates with himself, so is he. The meaning is that this stingy host watches every morsel which his guest eats, and grudges what he appears to offer so liberally. In the Authorized Version the word "heart" occurs twice in this verse, but the Hebrew words are different. The first is nephesh, "breath," equivalent to "mind;" the second is leb, "heart." The Vulgate paraphrases the clause, Quoniam in similitudinem arioli et conjectoris, aestimat quod ignorat, "For like a soothsayer or diviner he conjectures that of which he is ignorant." Eat and drink, saith he to thee. He professes to make you welcome, and with seeming cordiality invites you to partake of the food upon his table. But his heart is not with thee. He is not glad to see you enjoy yourself, and his pressing invitation is empty verbiage with no heart in it. The Septuagint, pointing differently, translates, "For as if one should swallow a hair, so he eats and drinks." The Greek translators take the gnome to apply to one who invites an envious man to his table, and finds him eating his food as if it disgusted him. They go on, "Bring him not in to thee, nor eat thy morsel with him; for (ver. 8) he will vomit it up, and outrage thy fair words." In agreement with the gnome above, we find in the Talmud, "My son, eat not the bread of the covetous, nor sit thou at his table. The bread of the covetous is only pain and anguish; the bread of the generous man is a source of health and joy."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew forכִּ֤י ׀(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionhe is keeping track,שָׁעַ֥ר(šā·‘ar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8176:To act as gatekeeper, to estimateinwardlyבְּנַפְשׁ֗וֹ(bə·nap̄·šōw)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion[counting the cost].כֶּ֫ן־(ken-)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thus“Eatאֱכֹ֣ל(’ĕ·ḵōl)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatand drink,”וּ֭שְׁתֵה(ū·šə·ṯêh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8354:To imbibehe says to you,יֹ֣אמַר(yō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saybut his heartוְ֝לִבּ֗וֹ(wə·lib·bōw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreis notבַּל־(bal-)Adverb
Strong's 1077:A failure, nothing, not at all, lestwith you.עִמָּֽךְ׃(‘im·māḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally with
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks about the cost (Prov. Pro Pr) |
