Proverbs 23

1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently what is before you;WEB — Proverbs 23:1

2 Put a knife to your throat, If you are a man given to appetite.WEB — Proverbs 23:2

3 Don't be desirous of his dainties, Seeing they are deceitful food.WEB — Proverbs 23:3

4 Don't weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.WEB — Proverbs 23:4

5 Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.WEB — Proverbs 23:5

6 Don't eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, And don't crave his delicacies:WEB — Proverbs 23:6

7 For as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.WEB — Proverbs 23:7

8 The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, And lose your good words.WEB — Proverbs 23:8

9 Don't speak in the ears of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.WEB — Proverbs 23:9

10 Don't move the ancient boundary stone. Don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless:WEB — Proverbs 23:10

11 For their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.WEB — Proverbs 23:11

12 Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to the words of knowledge.WEB — Proverbs 23:12

13 Don't withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.WEB — Proverbs 23:13

14 Punish him with the rod, And save his soul from Sheol.WEB — Proverbs 23:14

15 My son, if your heart is wise, Then my heart will be glad, even mine:WEB — Proverbs 23:15

16 Yes, my heart will rejoice, When your lips speak what is right.WEB — Proverbs 23:16

17 Don't let your heart envy sinners; But rather fear Yahweh all the day long.WEB — Proverbs 23:17

18 Indeed surely there is a future hope, And your hope will not be cut off.WEB — Proverbs 23:18

19 Listen, my son, and be wise, And keep your heart on the right path!WEB — Proverbs 23:19

20 Don't be among ones drinking too much wine, Or those who gorge themselves on meat:WEB — Proverbs 23:20

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; And drowsiness clothes them in rags.WEB — Proverbs 23:21

22 Listen to your father who gave you life, And don't despise your mother when she is old.WEB — Proverbs 23:22

23 Buy the truth, and don't sell it: Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.WEB — Proverbs 23:23

24 The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.WEB — Proverbs 23:24

25 Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice!WEB — Proverbs 23:25

26 My son, give me your heart; And let your eyes keep in my ways.WEB — Proverbs 23:26

27 For a prostitute is a deep pit; And a wayward wife is a narrow well.WEB — Proverbs 23:27

28 Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, And increases the unfaithful among men.WEB — Proverbs 23:28

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?WEB — Proverbs 23:29

30 Those who stay long at the wine; Those who go to seek out mixed wine.WEB — Proverbs 23:30

31 Don't look at the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly:WEB — Proverbs 23:31

32 At the last it bites like a snake, And poisons like a viper.WEB — Proverbs 23:32

33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your mind will imagine confusing things.WEB — Proverbs 23:33

34 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or as he who lies on top of the rigging:WEB — Proverbs 23:34

35 “They hit me, and I was not hurt; They beat me, and I don't feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another.”WEB — Proverbs 23:35