• Proverbs 23:3 (NKJV) When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; ² And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.  ³ Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

I’ve always read these verses from the perspective of the man sitting down with a ruler.

However, a word of warning to the ruler (leader, boss, manager, etc.): Once people get used to you feeding them they will expect it forever.  (Remember Rome and it’s citizenry-turned-mob all because the emperors brought their loyalty with free circuses and free bread?)

Bottom line, if you have to always pick up the check, you do not have people who care about you and the mission, you have people who care about themselves and their own appetite and desires.  They will only follow you until they get a better deal.

Leader: Never fall for the illusion that you can buy love and loyalty.