Proverbs 23:1-18

When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what   is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you have a big   appetite; don’t desire his choice food,  for that food is deceptive. Don’t wear yourself out to get rich;  because you know better, stop! As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears,  for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. Don’t eat a stingy person’s bread,  , and don’t desire his choice food,  for it’s like someone calculating inwardly.  , “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.  You will vomit the little you’ve eaten and waste your pleasant words. Don’t speak to  a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words.  Don’t move an ancient boundary marker,  and don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong,  and he will champion their cause against you.  Apply yourself to discipline and listen to words of knowledge. Don’t withhold discipline from a youth; if you punish him with a rod, he will not die.  Punish him with a rod, and you will rescue his life from Sheol.  My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice.  My innermost being will celebrate when your lips say what is right.  Don’t let your heart envy sinners;  instead, always fear the  Lord.  For then you will have a future, and your hope will not be dashed.