Christians - Regarding Proverbs 23:7...?

Question

I find that this is often misquoted (and out of context, too) usually by "name it and claim it" prosperity preachers. They tend to render it "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" in support of the whole "positive thinking" (YOU can make it happen, brother !) teaching.

Accurately quoted and in context -

"Do not eat THE BREAD OF A MISER, nor desire his delicacies; FOR AS HE THINKS IN HIS HEART, SO IS HE. 'Eat and drink !' he says to you, but his heart is not with you. The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up. And waste your pleasant words." Proverbs 23:6 - 8 (caps for emphasis).

Does this REALLY support the "confess it & possess it" group's teaching on the power of positive thought ?

Do you have any thoughts on this, and any examples of other often misquoted and misapplied Bible verses ? 10 points for the best (or should I say, WORST one).

May God bless you.

Answer 1

The example you give is sound. It shows how just by altering a few words in a verse, a whole new (and corrupt) meaning can be implied. This is actually the most ancient trick in The Book. Satan was the first to employ this tactic in the Garden of Eden, and he even tried (unsuccessfully) to mis-quote scripture to Christ.

There are reasons behind the prosperity teaching, such as to keep funds coming in, to build little empires to bolster the leaders' own self-esteem - for personal gain, in other words. He claims success at receiving because he's broken through to some higher level of 'spirituality'. A leader who boasts that his wealth is a measure of his spirituality will soon attract followers with the same desire to master 'techniques' to supposedly get God's blessing. Luke 6:38 is abused: "Give and it will be given to you..." as is 2 Cor 9:6: "he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully." Note that people first have to give generously to the [prosperity] ministry before expecting 100-fold themselves! It is a scandal and brings nothing but reproach on God's good name.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yes, that would be taking it out of context.

What the scripture is saying is going along the same thing Jesus is saying.

Matthew 15:11&18
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.


This is what Proverbs is saying, what is in a persons heart is what you are. This scripture has nothing to do with blab it and grab it. As many are seeking after.

Answer 4

The Buddha said, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”

I think the proverb is meant to be read as a metaphor. Misers don't bake bread. However, they may share a meal, and you will not enjoy doing so, according to the proverb.

The "Name it and Claim it" philosophy is simply the power of positive thinking. It is, however, impossible to turn yourself around entirely. The movie "Little Miss Sunshine" showed a great example of someone who thought positively, did all that he could, but didn't achieve his goal. (In fact, the same was true for EVERYONE in that movie.) However, they had a loving (if quirky) family, support from one another, and found a way, in the end, to enjoy the journey, not the destination.

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Answer 5

You're right - this verse does NOT support the "confess/possess" or "name/claim" teachings in any way. This verse does say, however, that the attitudes and beliefs in your heart will translate into how you treat and respond to others. How you respond to others will affect how they respond to you and in turn will affect how you feel about yourself. So I can see how they TRY to claim that - vaguely.

I have never believed in a "vending machine" God. Faith and trust and a willingness to follow the ways He set for us will change your life for the better and as a result bring about the things that GOD has designed for you - not what we have designed for ourselves. Focusing on the stuff you want from God and trying to manipulate your actions and thinking to simply get what you want is dangerous ground and those who would preach it that way are accountable to God for leading people that way.

You're on target here.

Answer 6

i think it is saying also don't be stingy and hoard when you see someone in need bless them don't just say be full and i will pray for you. share your love, food and tithe. when i buy a new washing machine i bless someone with my used one.
I have given several cars away.
lol you better make sure that is God talking. the best feeling in the world is when you give and you are being the most like like Jesus when you give with a pure heart and hearing from God You cant outgive God and somethings God told me to give were a little hard to let go, but he blesses me so richly in so many ways................... that what you sow you reap!

I really seek God on this because i dont want to be an enabler. You have to decern the diffrence.

You love people into the kingdom of God.I has someone give me a good car when I was a young single mother with 3 kids...... I kept that car till it died. Every time i looked at that car i felt theirs and God's love........Those precious souls have gone to be with Jesus now.
God has prospered me now and i continue to bless others they way he used them to bless me......
God is a good God and he has used others to bless me many times.
i don't have yard sales, the stuff i no longer need i bless others with it.
I listen to Dave Ramsey. i think we should be good Stewart's so we can further the kingdom of God.
If we are in debt up to our eyeballs how can we be a blessing and further the kingdom.
That blab it and grab it bothers me.
As one thinks in his heart he is. I am healed, whole,blessed and happy.
God has given this country gurl beauty for ashes.
I may not be eloquent with my words and i hope this comes out right and i trust God to do the rest.
Every one has diffrent gifts and callings in their lives that is why we are called the body. God bless all of you!

Answer 7

Personally, I think the "confess & possess" is taken out of context. I'm not saying that that is wrong (look at Matthew 17:20). But if you look at this whole verse, the author is warning us to be wary of acting like "a miser."

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Well, in keeping with tradition, if the christians are uncomfortable with the connotations of a particular verse, they'll probably change it.

As when Jesus is asked by Pilate if he is the King of the Jews, his response in the King James bible "Thou sayest it", has become "Yes, I am" in the New American Standard bible.

Obviously though, because God speaks through men he's guiding them to make corrections....

Answer 10

The difficulty would appear to be that you cannot really be thinking in a positive way about a negative action. How can being a miser be a positive thing when we are called to worship only one God...and the miser worships his money more........
Best wishes, Mike.