GNT · Good News Translation
Proverbs
Chapter 23
- 1
When you sit down to eat with someone important, keep in mind who he is.
- 2
If you have a big appetite, restrain yourself.
- 3
Don't be greedy for the fine food he serves; he may be trying to trick you.
- 4
Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich.
- 5
Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.
- 6
Don't eat at the table of a stingy person or be greedy for the fine food he serves.
- 7
"Come on and have some more,"he says, but he doesn't mean it. What he thinks is what he really is.
- 8
You will vomit up what you have eaten, and all your flattery will be wasted.
- 9
Don't try to talk sense to a fool; he can't appreciate it.
- 10
Never move an old property line or take over land owned by orphans.
- 11
The LORD is their powerful defender, and he will argue their case against you.
- 12
Pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can.
- 13
Don't hesitate to discipline children. A good spanking won't kill them.
- 14
As a matter of fact, it may save their lives.
- 15
My child, if you become wise, I will be very happy.
- 16
I will be proud when I hear you speaking words of wisdom.
- 17
Don't be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the LORD be the concern of your life.
- 18
If it is, you have a bright future.
- 19
Listen, my child, be wise and give serious thought to the way you live.
- 20
Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food.
- 21
Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.
- 22
Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation.
- 23
Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense---these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell.
- 24
A righteous person's parents have good reason to be happy. You can take pride in a wise child.
- 25
Let your father and mother be proud of you; give your mother that happiness.
- 26
Pay close attention, son, and let my life be your example.
- 27
Prostitutes and immoral women are a deadly trap.
- 28
They wait for you like robbers and cause many men to be unfaithful.
- 29
Show me people who drink too much, who have to try out fancy drinks, and I will show you people who are miserable and sorry for themselves, always causing trouble and always complaining. Their eyes are bloodshot, and they have bruises that could have been avoided.
- 31
Don't let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, and it sparkles in the cup, and it goes down smoothly.
- 32
The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake.
- 33
Weird sights will appear before your eyes, and you will not be able to think or speak clearly.
- 34
You will feel as if you were out on the ocean, seasick, swinging high up in the rigging of a tossing ship.
- 35
"I must have been hit,"you will say; "I must have been beaten up, but I don't remember it. Why can't I wake up? I need another drink."
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