New English Translation

Proverbs 23:12-27 New English Translation (NET)

12. Apply your heart to instructionand your ears to the words of knowledge.

13. Do not withhold discipline from a child;even if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

14. If you strike him with the rod,you will deliver him from death.

15. My child, if your heart is wise,then my heart also will be glad;

16. my soul will rejoicewhen your lips speak what is right.

17. Do not let your heart envy sinners,but rather be zealous in fearing the Lord all the time.

18. For surely there is a future,and your hope will not be cut off.

19. Listen, my child, and be wise,and guide your heart on the right way.

20. Do not spend time among drunkards,among those who eat too much meat,

21. because drunkards and gluttons become impoverished,and drowsiness clothes them with rags.

22. Listen to your father who begot you,and do not despise your mother when she is old.

23. Acquire truth and do not sell it – wisdom, and discipline, and understanding.

24. The father of a righteous person will rejoice greatly;whoever fathers a wise child will have joy in him.

25. May your father and your mother have joy;may she who bore you rejoice.

26. Give me your heart, my son,and let your eyes observe my ways;

27. for a prostitute is like a deep pit;a harlot is like a narrow well.