Proverbs 23:6 (ESV)

[6] Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy;

do not desire his delicacies,

[7] for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.

“Eat and drink!” he says to you,

but his heart is not with you.

This chapter is all about the discernment that leads to self-control. Discernment combined with self-control enables one to recognize the impure motives behind others’ offers. It warns, “When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite” (Prov 23:1-2). Discernment with self-control keeps one from taking advantage of those less fortunate. “Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless” (Prov 23:10). Discernment with self-control  keeps one from gluttony, drunkenness, and laziness. It disciplines children when they need it, whether you feel like it or not. It listens to wise counsel, and ignores fools. It recognizes the subtle dangers of immorality and avoids it. Discernment with self-control recognizes the lies that offer life only to deliver disappointment, sorrow, and death.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Discernment is learned through observation, practice, and listening to wise counsel. Foolishness and lack of self-control causes one to return to the very thing that brought pain into one’s life in the first place.

Proverbs 23:31 (ESV)

[31] Do not look at wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup

and goes down smoothly.

[32] In the end it bites like a serpent

and stings like an adder.

[33] Your eyes will see strange things,

and your heart utter perverse things.

[34] You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,

like one who lies on the top of a mast.

[35] “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt;

they beat me, but I did not feel it.

When shall I awake?

I must have another drink.”

How often we repeat the same foolish behavior over and over again only to wake with regret and do it again. That is why the counsel of Proverbs 23:17-9 is so crucial to understand.

[17] Let not your heart envy sinners,

but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.

[18] Surely there is a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

[19] Hear, my son, and be wise,

and direct your heart in the way.

Too often we believe the empty lies and promises of those without self-control. We hear stories of “great parties” and feel we have missed out. We fail to , wealth of unbelievers, the Facebook smiles, and the staged photo-ops and believe that they somehow have something we are missing. We don’t see the loneliness, the private struggles, the emptiness that plagues their lives. We believe the lies.

Wealth, dishonesty, immorality, and drunkenness have nothing to offer us. Joy is found in the contentment of being satisfied with whatever God has provided. Peace is found in the assurance of God’s protection, care, and oversight. Discernment and self-control offer much more than indulgence and selfishness. It is time we stop listening to the lies and distortions of the world and heed the words of the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)

 [10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Discernment is learned through observation, practice, and listening to wise counsel. May we listen to  wise counsel of God’s Word today.