Proverbs 23:1-35 NIV
Proverbs 23:1-35 NIV [1] When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, [2] and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. [3] Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. [4] Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. [5] Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. [6] Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; [7] for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. [8] You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments. [9] Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words. [10] Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, [11] for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you. [12] Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. [13] Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. [14] Punish them with the rod and save them from death. [15] My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; [16] my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. [17] Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. [18] There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. [19] Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: [20] Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, [21] for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. [22] Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. [23] Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well. [24] The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. [25] May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! [26] My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, [27] for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. [28] Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men. [29] Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? [30] Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. [31] Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! [32] In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. [33] Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. [34] You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. [35] “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”
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