New International Version

Proverbs 23:16-31 New International Version (NIV)

16. my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

17. Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

18. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

19. Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path:

20. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,

21. for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

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

23. Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well.

24. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

25. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!

26. My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,

27. for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

28. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

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

30. Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

31. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!