The Sixth Saying

1When you sit down to eat with someone important, keep in mind who he is.23.1 keep… is; or notice carefully what is before you. 2If you have a big appetite, restrain yourself. 3Don't be greedy for the fine food he serves; he may be trying to trick you.

The Seventh Saying

4Be wise enough not to wear yourself out trying to get rich. 5Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.

The Eighth Saying

6Don't eat at the table of a stingy person or be greedy for the fine food he serves. 7“Come on and have some more,” he says, but he doesn't mean it. What he thinks is what he really is. 8You will vomit up what you have eaten, and all your flattery will be wasted.

The Ninth Saying

9Don't try to talk sense to a fool; he can't appreciate it.

The Tenth Saying

10Never move an old boundary mark or take over land owned by orphans. 11The LORD is their powerful defender, and he will argue their case against you.

The Eleventh Saying

12Pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can.

The Twelfth Saying

13Don't hesitate to discipline children. A good spanking won't kill them. 14As a matter of fact, it may save their lives.

The Thirteenth Saying

15Son, if you become wise, I will be very happy. 16I will be proud when I hear you speaking words of wisdom.

The Fourteenth Saying

17Don't be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the LORD be the concern of your life. 18If it is, you have a bright future.

The Fifteenth Saying

19Listen, my child, be wise and give serious thought to the way you live. 20Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food. 21Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.

The Sixteenth Saying

22Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation.

23Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense — these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell.

24A righteous man's father has good reason to be happy. You can take pride in a wise son.

25Make your father and mother proud of you; give your mother that happiness.

The Seventeenth Saying

26Pay close attention, son, and let my life be your example. 27Prostitutes and immoral women are a deadly trap. 28They wait for you like robbers and cause many men to be unfaithful.

The Eighteenth Saying

29-30Show me someone who drinks too much, who has to try out some new drink, and I will show you someone miserable and sorry for himself, always causing trouble and always complaining. His eyes are bloodshot, and he has bruises that could have been avoided. 31Don't let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, though it sparkles in the cup, and it goes down smoothly. 32The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake. 33Weird sights will appear before your eyes, and you will not be able to think or speak clearly. 34You will feel as if you were out on the ocean, sea-sick, swinging high up in the rigging of a tossing ship. 35“I must have been hit,” you will say; “I must have been beaten up, but I don't remember it. Why can't I wake up? I need another drink.”