Proverbs 23:1

When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,

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Ever heard the saying, “If you don’t know who’s on the menu, it’s probably you”? Yeah. Welcome to the table. 🍽️You demanded a seat at the table…and now you looking like, “Why y’all all lookin’ at me like that?”

See, most folks think getting invited to the table is the goal — but what if the invitation is the test? What if the entre’, the Pièce de résistance … is really studying you?

That’s what Proverbs 23:1 is getting at.

“When you sit with a ruler” — someone with power, position, and influence — you better know what’s really on the table. Because sometimes, the food ain’t the only thing being evaluated… you are.

How Power Works

Power always studies how power responds. The ruler watches your appetite — what excites you, what tempts you, what distracts you…get this: what you’ll lose your decorum over! They’re watching to see — will you gobble up the bait, or will you discern the setup?

One of my mentors told me something that changed my whole approach to power dynamics. He said,

“The most powerful thing you can do is hear yourself talking back to someone in a position of greater power.” Because it teaches you whether you’re postured like a peer… or pleading like prey.

👀 See, sometimes we walk into rooms thinking we’re there to eat, when really, we’re the main course. That’s what the verse is warning us about — it’s about awareness in the presence of power.

And the writer isn’t saying avoid those people — he’s saying, be conscious in those spaces. Don’t lose yourself trying to impress someone who’s studying you. Don’t sell your authenticity for access.

The powerful maintain power because they understand how power flows. But you, if you learn to master self-awareness, you won’t need their table — you’ll start building your own.

⚙️ The Benefit of Your Own Table

You won’t have to chase rooms, crave titles or mistake access for arrival. You’ll sit down with that ruler and be able to observe HIM just as much as he’s observing you! Now who’s on the table?”

When you develop your own discernment — knowing when to speak, when to listen, when to eat, and when to just observe — you’ll start walking with quiet confidence. And the truth is, the real power in any room isn’t money — it’s insight. 💡

You can be broke with wisdom and still command the room. Because discernment draws respect long before dollars do.

💥 Remember

“Don’t get so hungry for the seat that you forget to see the setup. When you use your God given insight — you don’t need to beg for a table, He builds one for you.” 🍽️👑

Prayer

Teach me when to listen — to speak — or to discern.

Today’s Challenge

Before your next meeting, conversation, or post — pause. Ask yourself, “What’s really on the table?” Then choose awareness over appetite. Then walk in with awareness — not appetite.

About the Author

Fred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch

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Be Wise and Be Well...peace.

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