There are many good applications we can take from this passage. Verse 3 adds another layer of thought that probably is not discussed enough. Everyone is impressed with someone else. Whether it is the mom who seems to have it all together, or the secret crush whose presence makes your heart race, or the famous pastor with incredible communication skills, there are people whose very existence influences the way we think and act. Recognizing this tendency, Solomon urges caution. Put a knife to your throat (be cautious; don’t lose your mind) not just because gluttony is a risk, but because deception is a risk. In other words, don’t allow others, no matter how impressive, have an undue influence over how you think and behave. If the king likes liver, the temptation is to proclaim your love for liver as well even though the smell and taste of liver makes you gag. Resisting undue influence is certainly easier said than done. It is developed by coming to terms with the Biblical portrayal of God and man. Man-his breath is in his nostrils. In other words, he is so weak that he cannot even produce his next breath without God giving it to him. Why should something so weak become so strong and impressive in our view? God – He is self-existent and everlasting. Therefore, be impressed and influenced by God.