Proverbs 23:11-28

¹¹for their Protector is powerful and he will plead their case against you.

¹²Focus your mind on instruction; listen intently to words of knowledge.

¹³Don't keep from disciplining your children—a beating won't kill them.

¹⁴If you use physical correction you can save them from death.

¹⁵My son, if you think wisely then I'll be happy;

¹⁶I'll be delighted when you say what's right.

¹⁷Don't think enviously of sinners, but always remember to honor the Lord,

¹⁸for there's definitely a future for you, and your hope will not be crushed.

¹⁹Pay attention, my son, and be wise; make sure your mind concentrates on following the right way.

²⁰Don't join in with people who drink too much wine or who stuff themselves with meat.

²¹For people who get drunk and overeat lose all they've got, and they spend so much time dozing that all they have left to wear is rags.

²²Pay attention to your father, and don't disregard your mother when she's old.

²³Invest in truth—and don't sell it! Invest in wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

²⁴Children who do right make their fathers very happy; a wise son brings joy to his father.

²⁵Make your father and mother happy; bring joy to her who gave birth to you.

²⁶My son, give me your undivided attention, and cheerfully follow my example.

²⁷A prostitute is like being trapped in a pit; an immoral woman is like getting stuck a narrow well,

²⁸Like a robber, she lies in wait ready to ambush men and make more of them unfaithful to their wives.