Proverbs 23:1-14 ▼

1 WHEN you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is set before you,

2 That you may not put poison in your mouth. And if you are a man given to excessive appetite,

3 Be not desirous of his food; for his bread is bread of deceit.

4 Do not quarrel with a rich man; but keep away from him wisely.

5 For if you should fix your eye on him, you cannot see him; for he makes for himself wings like an eagle and flies away toward the sky.

6 Do not eat with a hypocrite, neither desire his food;

7 For he is like him that swallows pitch; in like manner you will eat and drink with him, but his heart is not with you.

8 The morsel which you have eaten you will vomit up, and you will lose your sweet words.

9 Do not speak in the presence of a fool; for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not remove the old landmark; nor enter into the field of the fatherless;

11 For their saviour is mighty; he will plead their cause with you.

12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Do not withhold chastisement from a child; for if you beat him, he will not die.

14 For when you beat him with the rod, you will deliver his soul from Sheol.