Proverbs 23:1-18

If you sit down to eat with a ruler, notice the food that is in front of you. Control yourself if you have a big appetite. Don’t be greedy for his fine foods, because that food might be a trick. Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; be wise enough to control yourself. Wealth can vanish in the wink of an eye. It can seem to grow wings and fly away like an eagle. Don’t eat the food of selfish people; don’t be greedy for their fine foods. Selfish people are always worrying about how much the food costs. They tell you, “Eat and drink,” but they don’t really mean it. You will throw up the little you have eaten, and you will have wasted your kind words. Don’t speak to fools; they will only ignore your wise words. Don’t move an old stone that marks a border, and don’t take fields that belong to orphans. God, their defender, is strong; he will take their side against you. Remember what you are taught, and listen carefully to words of knowledge. Don’t fail to punish children. If you spank them, they won’t die. If you spank them, you will save them from death. My child, if you are wise, then I will be happy. I will be so pleased if you speak what is right. Don’t envy sinners, but always respect the LORD. Then you will have hope for the future, and your wishes will come true.