Proverbs 28:7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950-700 BC. A father watching his son choose between wise and foolish friends in Jerusalem, modern-day Israel...
The emotion here: parental concern watching a generation choose friends over family values
The original word
zōlēl (זוֹלֵל) — glutton, one who devours excessively, lacks self-control
Why it matters
In ancient Israel, gluttony was seen as a gateway sin leading to all forms of excess
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 28:7
Gluttony here represents ALL forms of excess — not just food, but any uncontrolled appetite
Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about overeating. 'Gluttons' in Hebrew culture represented anyone who couldn't control their appetites — money, pleasure, power, food.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 28:7
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 28:7 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 28:7 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the Divided Kingdom period. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include wisdom, family honor. Notable phrases: companion of gluttons shames his father.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 28:7 mean to you, today?
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