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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 23 - Verse 8

23:8
The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of Proverbs 23:8, warns against the consequences of greed and deceit. The imagery of vomiting up a morsel that has been consumed symbolizes the loss and rejection of ill-gotten gains or dishonesty. It highlights the idea that one cannot hold onto something obtained through dishonesty or manipulation for long, as it will eventually be rejected or lost. The mention of losing sweet words further emphasizes the idea that deceptive actions or false promises will not bring lasting satisfaction or rewards. Instead, the verse serves as a cautionary reminder that true success and fulfillment come from honest and genuine actions, not deceit or manipulation.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse "The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words" is that it warns against deceit, hypocrisy, and the consequences of dishonesty. The act of eating and then vomiting up the morsel could symbolize the idea of taking in something deceitful or sinful and then being forced to expel it, ultimately losing any false sweetness or charm associated with it. This could be a reminder that dishonesty may initially seem appealing or advantageous, but in the end, it will bring about undesirable outcomes. The mention of "sweet words" being lost suggests that the facade of lies will eventually crumble, and the truth will be revealed. This verse could serve as a cautionary message about the importance of honesty, integrity, and the repercussions of deceitful actions.

American Standard Version

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