Proverbs 23:1-11 ▼

1 While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.

2 If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat;

3 don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.

4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.

5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.

6 Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies.

7 They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.

8 You will throw up what little you’ve eaten, and your compliments will be wasted.

9 Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

10 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.

11 For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.