Proverbs 23:1-35 GW

[1] When you sit down to eat with a ruler, pay close attention to what is in front of you, [2] and put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite. [3] Do not crave his delicacies, because this is food that deceives you. [4] Do not wear yourself out getting rich. Be smart enough to stop. [5] Will you catch only a fleeting glimpse of wealth before it is gone? It makes wings for itself like an eagle flying into the sky. [6] Do not eat the food of one who is stingy, and do not crave his delicacies. [7] As he calculates the cost to himself, this is what he does: He tells you, "Eat and drink," but he doesn't really mean it. [8] You will vomit the little bit you have eaten and spoil your pleasant conversation. [9] Do not talk directly to a fool, because he will despise the wisdom of your words. [10] Do not move an ancient boundary marker or enter fields that belong to orphans, [11] because the one who is responsible for them is strong. He will plead their case against you. [12] Live a more disciplined life, and listen carefully to words of knowledge. [13] Do not hesitate to discipline a child. If you spank him, he will not die. [14] Spank him yourself, and you will save his soul from hell. [15] My son, if you have a wise heart, my heart will rejoice as well. [16] My heart rejoices when you speak what is right. [17] Do not envy sinners in your heart. Instead, continue to fear the LORD. [18] There is indeed a future, and your hope will never be cut off. [19] My son, listen, be wise, and keep your mind going in the right direction. [20] Do not associate with those who drink too much wine, with those who eat too much meat, [21] because both a drunk and a glutton will become poor. Drowsiness will dress a person in rags. [22] Listen to your father since you are his son, and do not despise your mother because she is old. [23] Buy truth (and do not sell it), that is, buy wisdom, discipline, and understanding. [24] A righteous person's father will certainly rejoice. Someone who has a wise son will enjoy him. [25] May your father and your mother be glad. May she who gave birth to you rejoice. [26] My son, give me your heart. Let your eyes find happiness in my ways. [27] A prostitute is a deep pit. A loose woman is a narrow well. [28] She is like a robber, lying in ambush. She spreads unfaithfulness throughout society. [29] Who has trouble? Who has misery? Who has quarrels? Who has a complaint? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bloodshot eyes? [30] Those who drink glass after glass of wine and mix it with everything. [31] Do not look at wine because it is red, because it sparkles in the cup, because it goes down smoothly. [32] Later it bites like a snake and strikes like a poisonous snake. [33] Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mouth will say embarrassing things. [34] You will be like someone lying down in the middle of the sea or like someone lying down on top of a ship's mast, saying, [35] "They strike me, but I feel no pain. They beat me, but I'm not aware of it. Whenever I wake up, I'm going to look for another drink."