Proverbs 23:1

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler (taking up , end), consider diligently what (food or dainty) is before thee - so as not to eat greedily, or boldly and familiarly, as if thou wast at home Piscator, etc., take it, 'consider ... who is before thee'-namely, the king and his courtiers; thou shouldst be reverent, and on thy guard against giving offence. In the most ancient times they sat at meals as we do, not lay on couches as in later times (; ). At eating time one is tempted to be off one's guard.