Proverbs 第 23

When dining with a ruler, pay attention to what's before you. Discernment matters especially in the presence of power.

If you tend to overindulge, put a knife to your throat. Self-control protects you from compromising situations.

Don't crave the ruler's delicacies — the food is deceptive. Not everything that looks appealing serves your true good.

Don't wear yourself out to get rich — have the wisdom to show restraint. The pursuit of wealth can consume your very life.

Wealth can grow wings and fly away like an eagle toward the sky. Hold money loosely; it was never meant to be your security.

Don't eat the food of a stingy person or crave their delicacies. Their generosity is an illusion — they're calculating every bite.

They're always thinking about the cost, saying 'Eat and drink' but resenting it in their heart. Forced hospitality breeds bitterness.

You'll vomit up what you've eaten and waste your pleasant words. Some meals come with too high a price.

Don't speak to a fool — they'll despise the wisdom of your words. Save your breath for those who genuinely want to hear.

Don't move the ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless. Protecting the vulnerable is sacred work.

Their Redeemer is strong — He will plead their case against you. God is the advocate for those who have no defender.

Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge. Growth requires both openness and effort.

Don't withhold discipline from a child — punishment won't kill them. Loving correction is far more compassionate than neglect.

Punish them and you'll save them from death itself. Sometimes the hardest love is the most life-saving.

My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice. Nothing brings a parent more joy than seeing wisdom take root in their child.

My inmost being will celebrate when your lips speak what is right. The words of a wise child are music to a parent's soul.

Don't let your heart envy sinners — always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. What they have isn't worth what they've lost.

There is surely a future hope for you, and your expectations will not be cut off. The righteous path leads somewhere beautiful.

Listen, my child, and be wise — keep your heart on the right path. Wisdom is both a gift and a daily choice.

Don't join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. Excess dulls the very senses you need most.

Drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. Indulgence has a way of stripping away everything valuable.

Listen to your father who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old. Honoring your parents is wisdom in action.

Buy truth and never sell it — get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. Some things are worth any price and should never be traded away.

The father of a righteous child has great joy — a child who is wise brings him delight. Your growth is someone else's greatest happiness.

May your father and mother rejoice — may she who gave you birth be joyful! Living well is the best gift you can give those who raised you.

My child, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways. Wholehearted devotion opens the door to true understanding.

An adulteress is a deep pit and a narrow well — falling in is easier than climbing out. Steer clear before you even get close.

She lies in wait like a robber, increasing the faithless among people. Temptation is patient and strategic — be more alert than it is.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

Those who linger over wine, who go searching for mixed drinks. The drinker's misery begins long before the last glass.

Don't gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. Beauty can mask danger.

In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. What feels pleasant now can wound you deeply later.

Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind will imagine confusing things. Intoxication distorts reality and scrambles judgment.

You'll be like someone sleeping at the helm of a ship, adrift on the high seas. Without clear-headedness, you lose all direction.

'They hit me, but it didn't hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?' Addiction makes us love what harms us.