Proverbs 23:1-35 VOICE

[1] When sitting down to eat with a ruler, take a moment to think about who you are with and what you are doing. [2] If you are the type who eats too much too fast, do whatever is necessary to curb your enthusiasm for food. [3] Also, do not eye the ruler's delicacies, for the food may not be what it seems. [4] Do not overwork yourself just to become wealthy; have enough sense to know when to quit. [5] As soon as you become fixed on riches, they vanish. For suddenly they sprout wings and become like a soaring eagle flying high in the sky. [6] Do not sit down and eat the bread of a tight-fisted fellow or desire any of his delicacies, [7] For deep down he's keeping track of the cost. He may say, "Eat up! Drink your fill!" but he does not mean a word of it. [8] You'll be sick and lose what little you did eat, and you'll waste your breath carrying on a pleasant conversation. [9] Do not waste your wisdom on a fool, for he doesn't care for anything you have to say. [10] Do not shift the property line by moving the boundary markers your ancestors established or try to steal property from orphans [11] Because their Redeemer is strong, and He will plead their case against you. [12] Develop a disciplined life. Be attentive so you can be well informed. [13] Do not withhold discipline from children, since corporal punishment will not kill them. [14] In fact, it may be that kind of punishment that will save them from an early grave. [15] My son, if you live wisely, then my life will be fulfilled. [16] My very soul will jump for joy when you speak what is true and right. [17] Don't be envious of those wrapped up in sin, but always maintain a healthy respect for the Eternal. [18] Your future with Him will be certain, and you will not have hoped in vain. [19] Listen, my son, be wise, and steer your life on the right course. [20] Do not spend time with heavy wine drinkers or those who gorge themselves on meat. [21] For both the drunk and the glutton will end up broke, sleeping life away, and clothed in rags. [22] Pay attention to your father-after all, he gave you life- and don't ignore your mother in her old age. [23] Invest in truth, sock it away! Never cash in wisdom, guidance, or insight. [24] The parents of the right-living will celebrate; yes, parents of children who make wise choices are happy. [25] So make your parents happy; delight your mother- after all, she brought you into this world. [26] My son, devote yourself to me fully. Observe my ways, and follow my directions: [27] Being drawn to a prostitute is like falling down into a deep well, and being involved with a wicked woman is like descending into a narrow well. You may never get out alive. [28] She waits for you, ready to ambush you like a thief and ready to multiply unfaithfulness among men. [29] Who is wallowing in anguish? Who is full of sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has complaints? Who has bruises and can't remember where they came from? Who has bloodshot eyes? [30] You know who: those who stay up late finishing off the wine, those who can't stop savoring spiced wines. [31] Look away from the enticing beauty of wine, the deep red hue; ignore how it shimmers in the cup and glides down your throat. [32] Eventually, when you least expect it, it strikes like a snake; it stings like viper venom. [33] Your vision will blur, and you'll imagine strange things; you will say crazy, hurtful things and regret it later. [34] You will reel and stagger as if caught on a wave of seasickness, as a sailor who holds on to a mast for dear life. [35] You will say, "They slapped me, but it didn't hurt. They beat me, and I didn't feel a thing! Whenever I wake up from this stupor, I'll have another drink!"