Sayings of the Wise #6 - Invite Self-Control at the Table (Prov. 23:1-3)

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 Today Newscast

Intro to the Newscast — “Invite Self-Control at the Table”

Welcome to Wisdom Today — where timeless truths meet today’s choices.

Today's feature: “Invite Self-Control at the Table.”
In a world of indulgence and endless options, one ancient proverb still speaks:

“When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you.”

What if the table before us is more than food — what if it’s a mirror of the heart?
What happens when appetite takes the throne and wisdom is left waiting for her seat?

From Solomon’s royal courts to our modern kitchens, the message remains:
Self-control is not about saying no to life, but saying yes to peace.

Following along with the 30 Sayings of the Wise series, you’ll still see the familiar headings woven right into this newscast:

📖 The Verse

🌿 Meaning of the Text

🌸 Reflection Thought

🍽️ Interactive Moments

So stay tuned as our host, Faith Morgan, and her guests bring Saying #6 — Invite Self-Control at the Table to life on Wisdom Today.

🎙️ Up next: The Verse.

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📖 Segment 1 — The Verse

Anchor (Faith Morgan):
We begin today's broadcast with the Scripture at the heart of our discussion.

Proverbs 23:1–3 (NIV)
“When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.
Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.”

At first glance, the words may sound dramatic — but Solomon wasn’t talking about table manners. He was painting a picture of discipline, not dinner.
The table tests our restraint as much as it satisfies our appetite.

Will we be ruled by impulse or by insight?
By craving or by contentment?
That’s what this story is all about.

🎙️ Up next: The Meaning of the Text.

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🌿 Segment 2 — The Meaning of the Text

In Solomon’s time, dining with a ruler was a high honor — but also a test.
The table represented more than food; it revealed character. Would one be ruled by appetite or by wisdom?

This proverb teaches self-control — the kind that reaches beyond food and touches every appetite of the heart. Whether it’s hunger for food, approval, wealth, or comfort, the call is the same:

Be mindful of what’s before you — and who is truly in control.

Paul reminds us,

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable… I will not be mastered by anything.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12

The phrase “put a knife to your throat” isn’t about harm but restraint — a vivid image for setting wise limits.

As Proverbs 25:28 says:

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.”

Without boundaries, the heart becomes defenseless.
Wisdom, then, is our wall — not to restrict us, but to protect us.

The “delicacies” symbolize temptation — things that look desirable but carry hidden danger.

“For that food is deceptive.” — Proverbs 23:3

Eve saw that the fruit “looked good” (Genesis 3:6), yet what appeared pleasing led to pain.

And 1 John 2:16 warns us,

“For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father.”

The message is timeless: not everything that looks good is good for the soul.

True self-control flows from the Spirit:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

When wisdom rules the table, appetite becomes worship — and even the ordinary act of eating becomes sacred.

🎙️ Coming up next: A Conversation Among Four Women.

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💬 Segment 3 — Conversation Among Four Women

Faith:
To explore this proverb in real life, we’re joined by four women reflecting on how wisdom shows up at their tables — and in their hearts.

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Alana:
“Every time I read this verse, I laugh — ‘put a knife to your throat’? That’s strong! But I’ve come to see it’s God’s way of saying, ‘Pause before you indulge.’ It’s not punishment — it’s protection. Sometimes the best way to enjoy what’s on your plate is to know when to stop.”

Marcia:
“I agree. This verse reaches beyond food. It’s about how we handle every appetite — spending, talking, reacting. Self-control doesn’t limit me; it frees me from being driven by impulse.”

Renee:
“I’m drawn to the line, ‘consider carefully what is before you.’ That’s wisdom in a nutshell. I’ve learned that rushing — through meals, through decisions — often leads to regret. Slowing down helps me make room for peace.”

Tanya:
“Exactly. Self-control is really about peace. It’s grace that whispers, ‘You don’t need everything right now.’ When God is at the head of the table, contentment takes its seat too.”

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Faith:
So, in a sense, the ‘knife’ isn’t a threat — it’s a reminder. A symbol of restraint that guards what truly nourishes.

Renee:
“And maybe wisdom’s invitation is this — before you eat, before you speak, before you act — pause and consider Who’s at your table.”

Faith:
Beautifully said.

🎙️ Up next: Reflection Thought.

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🌸 Segment 4 — Reflection Thought

Exercising self-control is less about denying pleasure and more about honoring presence — remembering that God is seated at the table with us.

When He rules the table, appetite bows to awareness, and every choice becomes worship.

✨ “Self-control isn’t about saying no to life — it’s about saying yes to peace.”

🎙️ Up next: Interactive Moments.

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🍽️ Segment 5 — Interactive Moments

Faith:
Now it’s your turn to join the conversation.

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🕊️ Wisdom at the Table - Share in the WOW CHAT

If Wisdom were sitting across from you right now, what might she gently say?

• 🕯️ “Slow down — you already have enough.”

• 🍞 “Not everything that looks good is good for you.”

• 🍷 “Enjoy the moment, not the excess.”

• 💧 “Peace tastes better than pressure.”

💬 Share your ONE response on your WOW CHAT.

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💭 Wisdom Question - Share in the comments below

When temptation or excess sits in front of you — whether it’s food, attention, or opportunity — how do you usually respond?

1️⃣ I talk myself through it and try to make a quick but positive choice.
2️⃣ I set firm limits right away — discipline helps me stay in control.
3️⃣ I pause and reflect before acting, wanting to make the wisest choice possible.
4️⃣ I stay calm and steady, avoiding extremes and keeping peace within myself.

✨ Which one sounds most like your primary temperament?  Share it in the comments below.

📝 Keep tracking your points — 1 point if your answer matches your primary temperament.  Every step of growth counts!

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🌿 Closing Segment – Final Word

Faith:
And that’s the story today on Wisdom Today Newscast.

Remember, not everything that looks good is good for the soul.
Self-control isn’t about perfection — it’s about perspective.

At every table, wisdom still whispers:

“Consider carefully what is before you.”

Join us next time for Saying #7 — Set Your Eyes Beyond Riches (Proverbs 23:4–5) — a lesson that shifts our focus from what fades to what truly fulfills.

Until then, stay wise, stay peaceful, and keep inviting wisdom to the table.

See your WOW chat for Saying of the Wise #5 answers.  Let us know your score for Saying #5 in the chat.