Proverbs 23:19-35

Listen, my child, and be wise. Keep your mind on what is right. Don’t be one of those who drink too much wine or who eat too much food. Those who drink too much and eat too much become poor. They sleep too much and end up wearing rags. Listen to your father, who gave you life. And do not forget your mother when she is old. Learn the truth and never reject it. Get wisdom, self-control and understanding. The father of a good child is very happy. The person who has a wise son is glad because of him. Make your father and mother happy. Give your mother a reason to be glad. My son, pay attention to me. And watch closely what I do. A prostitute is as dangerous as a deep pit. And an unfaithful wife is like a narrow well. They ambush you like robbers. And they cause many men to be unfaithful to their wives. Some people drink too much wine. They try out all the different kinds of drinks. So they have trouble. They are sad. They fight. They complain. They have unnecessary bruises. They have bloodshot eyes. Don’t stare at the wine’s pretty, red color. It may sparkle in the cup. It may go down your throat smoothly. But later it bites like a snake. Like a snake, it poisons you. Your eyes will see strange sights. And your mind will be confused. You will feel dizzy, as if you’re out on the stormy ocean. You will feel as if you’re on top of a ship’s sails. You will think, “They hit me, but I’m not hurt! They have beaten me up, but I don’t remember it. I wish I could wake up. Then I would get another drink.”