Proverbs 23:2

And put a knife to thy throat,.... Refrain from too much talk at the table; give not too loose to thy tongue, but bridle it, considering in whose presence thou art; do not use too much freedom, either…

i. e., “Restrain thy appetite, eat as if the knife were at thy throat.” Others render the words “thou wilt put a knife to thy throat” etc., i. e., “indulgence at such a time may endanger thy very…

put a knife i.e. Restrain forcibly thy appetite as with a knife held to thy throat. Others render, thou wilt put(R.V. marg.) and understand it to mean, that death may be the penalty of indulgence.