The big question Proverbs 23 asks is: What are you hungry for?

The chapter talks about food, wealth, alcohol, and discipline, but underneath it all is one theme: don’t let your appetites master you. We were made to be led by God’s Spirit, not by our cravings.

It made me think of Jesus’ words: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” and “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Proverbs asks whether we’re hungry for wisdom and the ways of God, or for the things the world keeps putting in front of us—wealth, pleasure, approval, comfort.

I also loved verse 26: “My son, give me your heart.” God isn’t just after outward obedience; He wants our hearts. Because whatever captures our hearts eventually rules our lives.

The ending about alcohol is really a picture of all sin. It sparkles. It goes down smoothly. It promises satisfaction. But over time it enslaves us and leaves us empty. That pattern applies to so much more than drinking. I even thought about social media. The more I click, the more it offers. It constantly whispers, “More. More. More.”

That’s why I think Sabbath is so powerful. It’s one day each week where we practice saying, “God, You are enough. I have enough. Thank You.” It’s choosing the better desire.

My prayer after reading Proverbs 23 is simple: Lord, help me hunger and thirst for righteousness more than I hunger for the shiny things this world offers. Change my desires so that I want You above everything else.