Proverbs 23

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

2 put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite.NHEB — Proverbs 23:2

3 Do not be desirous of his dainties, seeing they are deceitful food.NHEB — Proverbs 23:3

4 Do not weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.NHEB — 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.NHEB — Proverbs 23:5

6 Do not eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and do not crave his delicacies:NHEB — 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.NHEB — Proverbs 23:7

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

9 Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.NHEB — Proverbs 23:9

10 Do not move the ancient boundary stone. Do not encroach on the fields of the fatherless:NHEB — Proverbs 23:10

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

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

13 Do not withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.NHEB — Proverbs 23:13

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

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

16 yes, my heart will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right.NHEB — Proverbs 23:16

17 Do not let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear the LORD all the day long.NHEB — Proverbs 23:17

18 For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.NHEB — Proverbs 23:18

19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.NHEB — Proverbs 23:19

20 Do not be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat:NHEB — Proverbs 23:20

21 for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.NHEB — Proverbs 23:21

22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.NHEB — Proverbs 23:22

23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.NHEB — Proverbs 23:23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31 Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.NHEB — Proverbs 23:31

32 In the end, it bites like a serpent, and poisons like a viper.NHEB — Proverbs 23:32

33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things.NHEB — 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:NHEB — Proverbs 23:34

35 "They hit me, and I was not hurt. They beat me, and I do not feel it. When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another."NHEB — Proverbs 23:35