Proverbs 23:1-5

Proverbs 23:1-5
English Standard Version
​23 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
3 Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.
4 Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
5 When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.

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This passage directly connects with the end of the last passage with warnings about sitting down before kings (and other rich and powerful people).  While it is a great honor to be invited into the king's presence and that should happen as a reward for hard work and good character, anyone sitting at the king's table must be on his guard to not act like a glutton or a drunkard, as there will be much food and wine before him that will tempt him to eat and/or drink to excess.  This could lead to some embarrassing behavior or words that might end up getting someone killed.  The passage encourages us to restrain ourselves in such situations as if someone were physically there with a blade at our necks ready to strike and kill us if we acted inappropriately in front of the king (because that may not be too far from the truth).  We should also be careful of all of the extravagance that we see that we do not covet any of it.  When desserts are offered, be careful how much you take for you may be tempted again to act in a gluttonous way.

Solomon tells us that the goal of our work is not to gain wealth (the world and even many in the church would tell you that this is their goal though--work hard, make a lot of money, and retire comfortably at the time that you set).  Solomon also said to have enough wisdom to know when to stop a job, even when it is paying very well.  There are more important issues at hand than just making money.  Don't sell your soul for wealth or material possessions.  Why?  Because money has a way of disappearing quickly (like it grows wings and flies away).  You cannot trust for it to be there when you need it.  We should instead trust in the LORD to provide for our every need out of His infinite wealth and resources that He makes available to us through Christ Jesus our Lord.