Proverbs 23:1-16 ▼

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.

15 My son, if your heart be wise, my heart also will rejoice.

16 Yea, my heart shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things.