Proverbs 23:15-35 ▼

15 My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will greatly rejoice.

16 My innermost being will be glad when your lips speak what is right.

17 Never let yourself envy sinners; instead, remain in fear of the LORD every day,

18 for there is surely a future life, and what you hope for will not be cut off.

19 Listen, my son, and be wise, commit yourself to live God's way.

20 Don't associate with heavy drinkers or dine with gluttons,

21 because drunks and gluttons tend to become poor, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.

22 Listen to the one who fathered you, and don't despise your mother in her old age.

23 Purchase truth, but don't sell it; store up wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of a righteous person will greatly rejoice; whoever fathers a wise son will be glad because of him.

25 Let your father and mother rejoice; make the one who gave birth to you happy.

26 Give me your heart, my son, and keep your eyes fixed on my ways,

27 because a prostitute is a deep pit, and the adulterous woman a narrow well.

28 Surely she lies in wait like a bandit, increasing those who are faithless among mankind.

29 Who has woe? Who has grief? Who has contention? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has bloodshot eyes?

30 Those who linger over their wine, who consume mixed drinks.

31 Don't stare into red wine, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.

32 Eventually it will bite like a snake and sting like a serpent.

33 Your eyes will see strange things, and with slurred words you'll speak what you really believe.

34 You will be like someone who lies down in the sea, or like someone who sleeps on top of a mast.

35 |They struck me,| you will say, |but I never felt it. They beat me, but I never knew it When will I wake up? I want another drink.|