Proverbs 23:1-35 NCV

[1] If you sit down to eat with a ruler, notice the food that is in front of you. [2] Control yourself if you have a big appetite. [3] Don't be greedy for his fine foods, because that food might be a trick. [4] Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; be wise enough to control yourself. [5] Wealth can vanish in the wink of an eye. It can seem to grow wings and fly away like an eagle. [6] Don't eat the food of selfish people; don't be greedy for their fine foods. [7] Selfish people are always worrying about how much the food costs. They tell you, "Eat and drink," but they don't really mean it. [8] You will throw up the little you have eaten, and you will have wasted your kind words. [9] Don't speak to fools; they will only ignore your wise words. [10] Don't move an old stone that marks a border, and don't take fields that belong to orphans. [11] God, their defender, is strong; he will take their side against you. [12] Remember what you are taught, and listen carefully to words of knowledge. [13] Don't fail to punish children. If you spank them, they won't die. [14] If you spank them, you will save them from death. [15] My child, if you are wise, then I will be happy. [16] I will be so pleased if you speak what is right. [17] Don't envy sinners, but always respect the LORD. [18] Then you will have hope for the future, and your wishes will come true. [19] Listen, my child, and be wise. Keep your mind on what is right. [20] Don't drink too much wine or eat too much food. [21] Those who drink and eat too much become poor. They sleep too much and end up wearing rags. [22] Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not forget your mother when she is old. [23] Learn the truth and never reject it. Get wisdom, self-control, and understanding. [24] The father of a good child is very happy; parents who have wise children are glad because of them. [25] Make your father and mother happy; give your mother a reason to be glad. [26] My son, pay attention to me, and watch closely what I do. [27] A prostitute is as dangerous as a deep pit, and an unfaithful wife is like a narrow well. [28] They ambush you like robbers and cause many men to be unfaithful to their wives. [29] Who has trouble? Who has pain? Who fights? Who complains? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? [30] It is people who drink too much wine, who try out all different kinds of strong drinks. [31] Don't stare at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. [32] Later it bites like a snake with poison in its fangs. [33] Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will be confused. [34] You will feel dizzy as if you're in a storm on the ocean, as if you're on top of a ship's sails. [35] You will think, "They hit me, but I'm not hurt. They beat me up, but I don't remember it. I wish I could wake up. Then I would get another drink."