Proverbs 23:1-22

¹If you sit to sup at the table of a prince, consider attentively the things set before you:

²and apply your hand, knowing that it behoves you to prepare such meats: but if you are very insatiable,

³desire not his provisions; for these belong to a false life.

⁴If you are poor, measure not yourself with a rich man; but refrain yourself in your wisdom.

⁵If you should fix your eye upon him, he will disappear; for wings like an eagle's are prepared for him, and he returns to the house of his master.

⁶Sup not with an envious man, neither desire you his meats:

⁷so he eats and drinks as if any one should swallow a hair, and do not bring him in to yourself, nor eat your morsel with him:

⁸for he will vomit it up, and spoil your fair words.

⁹Say nothing in the ears of a fool, lest at any time he sneer at your wise words.

¹⁰Remove not the ancient landmarks; and enter not upon the possession of the fatherless:

¹¹for the Lord is their redeemer; he is mighty, and will plead their cause with you.

¹²Apply your heart to instruction, and prepare your ears for words of discretion.

¹³Refrain not from chastening a child; for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die.

¹⁴For you shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from death.

¹⁵Son, if your heart be wise, you shall also gladden my heart;

¹⁶and your lips shall converse with my lips, if they be right.

¹⁷Let not your heart envy sinners: but be you in the fear of the Lord all the day.

¹⁸For if you should keep these things, you shall have posterity; and your hope shall not be removed.

¹⁹Hear, my son, and be wise, and rightly direct the thoughts of your heart.

²⁰Be not a wine-bibber, neither continue long at feasts, and purchases of flesh:

²¹for every drunkard and whoremonger shall be poor; and every sluggard shall clothe himself with tatters and ragged garments.

²²Listen, my son, to your father which begot you, and despise not your mother because she is grown old.