Proverbs 23:1-16 ▼

1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you:

2 And put a knife to your throat, if you be a man given to appetite.

3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

4 Labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom.

5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

6 Eat you not the bread of him that has an evil eye, neither desire you his dainty meats:

7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, said he to you; but his heart is not with you.

8 The morsel which you have eaten shall you vomit up, and lose your sweet words.

9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with you.

12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die.

14 You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.

15 My son, if your heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

16 Yes, my reins shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things.