Proverbs 23:1-35 NLT

[1] While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. [2] If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; [3] don't desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you. [4] Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. [5] In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. [6] Don't eat with people who are stingy; don't desire their delicacies. [7] They are always thinking about how much it costs. "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it. [8] You will throw up what little you've eaten, and your compliments will be wasted. [9] Don't waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice. [10] Don't cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don't take the land of defenseless orphans. [11] For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you. [12] Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. [13] Don't fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won't kill them. [14] Physical discipline may well save them from death. [15] My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! [16] Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. [17] Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. [18] You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. [19] My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. [20] Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, [21] for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags. [22] Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old. [23] Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. [24] The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. [25] So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. [26] O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways. [27] A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well. [28] She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful. [29] Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? [30] It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. [31] Don't gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. [32] For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. [33] You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. [34] You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. [35] And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?"