Knife to your throat

Proverbs 23:1-2.When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee; And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite (Prov. 23:1-2). Some expressions, such as “put a knife to your throat”, are not misunderstood except by those who desire to misunderstand. Nothing literal here. However, there is a powerful point not to be missed: when in the presence of those with a greater status or affluence than you, don’t allow your desires, your appetite to take control. Rather, discretion and discipline are to control lest you be looked on as foolish, without understanding, and invited back no more.