Proverbs 23:13-28

¶Do not withhold discipline from the child; If you swat him with a reed-like rod [applied with godly wisdom], he will not die. You shall swat him with the reed-like rod And rescue his life from Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead). ¶My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will also be glad; Yes, my heart will rejoice When your lips speak right things. ¶Do not let your heart envy sinners [who live godless lives and have no hope of salvation], But [continue to] live in the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD day by day. Surely there is a future [and a reward], And your hope and expectation will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way [of the LORD]. Do not associate with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat, [Is 5:22; Luke 21:34; Rom 13:13; Eph 5:18] For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And the drowsiness [of overindulgence] will clothe one with rags. ¶Listen to your father, who sired you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; Get wisdom and instruction and understanding. ¶The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who sires a wise child will have joy in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who gave birth to you rejoice [in your wise and godly choices]. ¶My son, give me your heart And let your eyes delight in my ways, For a prostitute is a deep pit, And an immoral woman is a narrow well. She lurks and lies in wait like a robber [who waits for prey], And she increases the faithless among men.

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