23Proverbs 23

1When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;Select Proverbs 23:1

2put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite.Select Proverbs 23:2

3Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food.Select Proverbs 23:3

4Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.Select Proverbs 23:4

5Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.Select Proverbs 23:5

6Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies:Select Proverbs 23:6

7for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.Select Proverbs 23:7

8The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words.Select Proverbs 23:8

9Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.Select Proverbs 23:9

10Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless:Select Proverbs 23:10

11for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.Select Proverbs 23:11

12Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.Select Proverbs 23:12

13Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.Select Proverbs 23:13

14Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol.Select Proverbs 23:14

15My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine:Select Proverbs 23:15

16yes, my heart will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right.Select Proverbs 23:16

17Don’t let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh all the day long.Select Proverbs 23:17

18Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off.Select Proverbs 23:18

19Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!Select Proverbs 23:19

20Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat:Select Proverbs 23:20

21for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.Select Proverbs 23:21

22Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.Select Proverbs 23:22

23Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.Select Proverbs 23:23

24The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.Select Proverbs 23:24

25Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice!Select Proverbs 23:25

26My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.Select Proverbs 23:26

27For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well.Select Proverbs 23:27

28Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.Select Proverbs 23:28

29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?Select Proverbs 23:29

30Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine.Select Proverbs 23:30

31Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.Select Proverbs 23:31

32In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper.Select Proverbs 23:32

33Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things.Select Proverbs 23:33

34Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:Select Proverbs 23:34

35“They hit me, and I was not hurt! They beat me, and I don’t feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another.”Select Proverbs 23:35