Proverbs 23:1-18

When you are invited to eat with a king, use your best manners. Don't go and stuff yourself! That would be just the same as cutting your throat. Don't be greedy for all of that fancy food! It may not be so tasty. Give up trying so hard to get rich. Your money flies away before you know it, just like an eagle suddenly taking off. Don't accept an invitation to eat a selfish person's food, no matter how good it is. People like that take note of how much you eat. They say, “Take all you want!” But they don't mean it. Each bite will come back up, and all your kind words will be wasted. Don't talk to fools— they will make fun of you. Don't move a boundary marker or take the land that belongs to orphans. God All-Powerful is there to defend them against you. Listen to instruction and do your best to learn. Don't fail to correct your children. You won't kill them by being firm, and it may even save their lives. My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad. Don't be jealous of sinners, but always honor the LORD. Then you will truly have hope for the future.