Proverbs 23:1-35 GNT

[1] When you sit down to eat with someone important, keep in mind who he is. [2] If you have a big appetite, restrain yourself. [3] Don't be greedy for the fine food he serves; he may be trying to trick you. [4] Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich. [5] Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle. [6] Don't eat at the table of a stingy person or be greedy for the fine food he serves. [7] "Come on and have some more," he says, but he doesn't mean it. What he thinks is what he really is. [8] You will vomit up what you have eaten, and all your flattery will be wasted. [9] Don't try to talk sense to a fool; he can't appreciate it. [10] Never move an old property line or take over land owned by orphans. [11] The LORD is their powerful defender, and he will argue their case against you. [12] Pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can. [13] Don't hesitate to discipline children. A good spanking won't kill them. [14] As a matter of fact, it may save their lives. [15] My child, if you become wise, I will be very happy. [16] I will be proud when I hear you speaking words of wisdom. [17] Don't be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the LORD be the concern of your life. [18] If it is, you have a bright future. [19] Listen, my child, be wise and give serious thought to the way you live. [20] Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food. [21] Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags. [22] Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation. [23] Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense-these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell. [24] A righteous person's parents have good reason to be happy. You can take pride in a wise child. [25] Let your father and mother be proud of you; give your mother that happiness. [26] Pay close attention, son, and let my life be your example. [27] Prostitutes and immoral women are a deadly trap. [28] They wait for you like robbers and cause many men to be unfaithful. [29] Show me people who drink too much, who have to try out fancy drinks, and I will show you people who are miserable and sorry for themselves, always causing trouble and always complaining. Their eyes are bloodshot, and they have bruises that could have been avoided. [31] Don't let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, and it sparkles in the cup, and it goes down smoothly. [32] The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake. [33] Weird sights will appear before your eyes, and you will not be able to think or speak clearly. [34] You will feel as if you were out on the ocean, seasick, swinging high up in the rigging of a tossing ship. [35] "I must have been hit," you will say; "I must have been beaten up, but I don't remember it. Why can't I wake up? I need another drink."