The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

PROVERBS 23:8KJV
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Proverbs 23:8 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 23:8 mean?

Proverbs 23:8 warns that if you accept food from someone with hidden motives, you will regret it—you will end up vomiting up what you ate and lose any pleasant conversation or goodwill you thought you gained. The verse suggests that accepting favors from someone insincere leads to discomfort and disappointment.

In this part of Proverbs, a wise teacher is advising a listener (often pictured as a young person) about the dangers of eating with people who are not truly generous or who have selfish intentions. The verse uses vivid language to show that both the physical enjoyment of the meal and any friendly words exchanged will be lost, highlighting the emptiness of relationships based on false generosity.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 23:8

  • מָנָה (manah, H6595) — morsel: This word refers to a portion of food, emphasizing the concrete act of eating what is offered. The use of "morsel" highlights the smallness and insignificance of what is gained compared to what is lost.
  • דָּבָר (davar, H1697) — words: This term means "words" or "things said." In this context, it points to the pleasant or flattering conversation that is ultimately lost, showing that not just the food, but also the relationship or goodwill, is spoiled.
  • מָתוֹק (matoq, H5273) — sweet: This word means "sweet" or "pleasant," describing the words or conversation as appealing or enjoyable. The loss of "sweet words" underlines how even the good feelings from the interaction are undone.

Why Proverbs 23:8 matters

  • Proverbs 23:8 clarifies that the harm is not only physical (vomiting up the food) but also relational or emotional (losing the sweet words), stressing that both tangible and intangible benefits are lost when dealing with someone insincere.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage warning against eating with a "stingy" or "begrudging" host, reinforcing the idea that motives matter more than appearances in relationships.
  • The proverb helps readers see that accepting gifts or hospitality from someone with hidden motives can backfire, leading to regret rather than blessing.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H6958 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 18:25 And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
  • Leviticus 20:22 Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out.
  • Proverbs 25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

“sweet” Hebrew H5273 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
  • Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
  • Psalms 147:1 Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

“morsel” Hebrew H6595 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
  • Ruth 2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
  • Job 31:17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;

“lose” Hebrew H7843 · used in 136 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • 2 Samuel 1:14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?
  • Jeremiah 6:5 Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.