23Proverbs 23

1When you sit down to eat with someone important, keep in mind who he is.Select Proverbs 23:1

2If you have a big appetite, restrain yourself.Select Proverbs 23:2

3Don't be greedy for the fine food he serves; he may be trying to trick you.Select Proverbs 23:3

4Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich.Select Proverbs 23:4

5Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.Select Proverbs 23:5

6Don't eat at the table of a stingy person or be greedy for the fine food he serves.Select Proverbs 23:6

7“Come on and have some more,” he says, but he doesn't mean it. What he thinks is what he really is.Select Proverbs 23:7

8You will vomit up what you have eaten, and all your flattery will be wasted.Select Proverbs 23:8

9Don't try to talk sense to a fool; he can't appreciate it.Select Proverbs 23:9

10Never move an old property line or take over land owned by orphans.Select Proverbs 23:10

11The Lord is their powerful defender, and he will argue their case against you.Select Proverbs 23:11

12Pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can.Select Proverbs 23:12

13Don't hesitate to discipline children. A good spanking won't kill them.Select Proverbs 23:13

14As a matter of fact, it may save their lives.Select Proverbs 23:14

15My child, if you become wise, I will be very happy.Select Proverbs 23:15

16I will be proud when I hear you speaking words of wisdom.Select Proverbs 23:16

17Don't be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the Lord be the concern of your life.Select Proverbs 23:17

18If it is, you have a bright future.Select Proverbs 23:18

19Listen, my child, be wise and give serious thought to the way you live.Select Proverbs 23:19

20Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food.Select Proverbs 23:20

21Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.Select Proverbs 23:21

22Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation.Select Proverbs 23:22

23Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense—these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell.Select Proverbs 23:23

24A righteous person's parents have good reason to be happy. You can take pride in a wise child.Select Proverbs 23:24

25Let your father and mother be proud of you; give your mother that happiness.Select Proverbs 23:25

26Pay close attention, son, and let my life be your example.Select Proverbs 23:26

27Prostitutes and immoral women are a deadly trap.Select Proverbs 23:27

28They wait for you like robbers and cause many men to be unfaithful.Select Proverbs 23:28

30Show me people who drink too much, who have to try out fancy drinks, and I will show you people who are miserable and sorry for themselves, always causing trouble and always complaining. Their eyes are bloodshot, and they have bruises that could have been avoided.Select Proverbs 23:30

31Don't let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, and it sparkles in the cup, and it goes down smoothly.Select Proverbs 23:31

32The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake.Select Proverbs 23:32

33Weird sights will appear before your eyes, and you will not be able to think or speak clearly.Select Proverbs 23:33

34You will feel as if you were out on the ocean, seasick, swinging high up in the rigging of a tossing ship.Select Proverbs 23:34

35“I must have been hit,” you will say; “I must have been beaten up, but I don't remember it. Why can't I wake up? I need another drink.”Select Proverbs 23:35