Proverbs 23:2
“And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.”
Controlling one’s appetite is one of the hardest things one can do. Whether the appetite is for food, money or things, once an appetite is established it is hard to control it. It is better to never create the appetite than to start it and try to control it.
The verse above is talking about controlling your appetite. God says that if you are sitting down at a king’s table, then put a knife to your throat and don’t become enamored with the delicacies on the table. God is teaching that once you create the appetite it will be hard to control it. So, it is much better to never put yourself in the place where it can be created than to have to try and curb your appetite. Let me give you some suggestions on this subject.
First, don’t put yourself in a place where you can’t afford the appetite. One of the things I despise is going window shopping. Window shopping is one of the most wasteful things a person can do. When you window shop, you are looking at things you cannot buy for you can’t afford them. I’ve always said that you should never go look at something that you cannot afford. If you can’t afford a house in a certain neighborhood, then you would be wise not to drive through that neighborhood if you are given to appetite. If you can’t afford clothing at a certain store, then don’t go to that store. This could be said about a car or any other possession.
If you are a person given to appetite, then you will figure out a way to satisfy your appetite. Many people have put themselves into such debt that they can’t afford because they purchased something from an appetite greater than they could afford. Just because you figure out a way to satisfy your appetite doesn’t mean you can afford it. Stay away from places where the appetite created is more than you can afford.
Second, don’t assume you can control your appetite. Most of us feel that we can control our appetites, but we truly have a hard time doing so. Don’t underestimate the power of your appetite. You may initially think you can control it, but the mind has a way of working on you to get you to the point where you try to satisfy an appetite. Always consider what you can’t afford before going into any place, for every place will create some appetite.
Third, if your appetite is out of control, get some help. An appetite out of control is an addiction. It is the hardest thing to admit that we are addicted to something. We often equate addiction with alcohol or drugs, but there are people who are addicted to far more things than these. If you have told yourself more than twice that you are going to stop something but you’re still doing it, then you are addicted and need some help. Your appetite is out of control, and only help from a spiritual source will curtail that appetite.
Friend, take God’s warning about controlling your appetite in every area. Don’t place yourself in any area or situation where you can create an appetite you can’t afford. Better yet, don’t ever place yourself in a situation that will create an appetite that will hinder you. Every person is given to appetite, so avoid those appetites that you can’t afford or don’t need.