Proverbs 23:1-11 ▼

1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you,

2 And put a knife to your throat If you are a man of [great] appetite.

3 Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food.

4 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration [of it].

5 When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For [wealth] certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies [toward] the heavens.

6 Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, Or desire his delicacies;

7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, |Eat and drink!| But his heart is not with you.

8 You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, And waste your compliments.

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless,

11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.