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23:1  While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.
23:2  If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat;
23:3  don't desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.
23:4  Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.
23:5  In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
23:6  Don't eat with people who are stingy; don't desire their delicacies.
23:7  They are always thinking about how much it costs. "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it.
23:8  You will throw up what little you've eaten, and your compliments will be wasted.
23:9  Don't waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.
23:10  Don't cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don't take the land of defenseless orphans.
23:11  For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.
23:12  Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.
23:13  Don't fail to discipline your children. They won't die if you spank them.
23:14  Physical discipline may well save them from death.
23:15  My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!
23:16  Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.
23:17  Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD.
23:18  You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.
23:19  My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course.
23:20  Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons,
23:21  for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.
23:22  Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old.
23:23  Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
23:24  The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
23:25  So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.
23:26  O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
23:27  A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
23:28  She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful.
23:29  Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
23:30  It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.
23:31  Don't gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
23:32  For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
23:33  You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.
23:34  You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
23:35  And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?"