Proverbs 23:1-16 ▼

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.

15 Son, if thy heart be wise, thou shalt also gladden my heart;

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