Proverbs 23:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Avoid accepting hospitality from someone stingy or whose motives are corrupt.
The Context of Proverbs 23:6
Specific application: recognize character flaws in those who offer you gifts or favors.
What Does Proverbs 23:6 Mean?
An evil eye in Hebrew wisdom tradition signifies a grudging, covetous, or malicious disposition. Eating the bread of such a person means entering into obligation or relationship with someone whose inner character is compromised by selfishness or ill will.
To desire their dainty meats despite this warning is to be seduced by surface kindness while ignoring the spiritual and relational danger. True hospitality flows from generosity of heart; what comes from a corrupted source carries hidden cost.
Proverbs 23:6 in the Original Language
ayin ra'ah (עַיִן רָעָה), 'evil eye' — in Hebrew wisdom, a metaphor for stinginess, grudging attitude, or malice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:6
What does Proverbs 23:6 mean?
Avoid accepting hospitality from someone stingy or whose motives are corrupt.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:6?
Specific application: recognize character flaws in those who offer you gifts or favors.