Proverbs 23:1-14 ▼

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

2 and apply thine hand, knowing that it behoves thee to prepare such meats : but if thou art very insatiable,

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

4 If thou art poor, measure not thyself with a rich man; but refrain thyself in thy wisdom.

5 If thou shouldest fix thine 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 For thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from death.