Proverbs 23:20–34

²⁰Don’t drink too much wine

or eat too much food.

²¹Those who drink and eat too much become poor.

They sleep too much and end up wearing rags.

²²Listen to your father, who gave you life,

and do not forget your mother when she is old.

²³Learn the truth and never reject it.

Get wisdom, self-control, and understanding.

²⁴The father of a good child is very happy;

parents who have wise children are glad because of them.

²⁵Make your father and mother happy;

give your mother a reason to be glad.

²⁶My son, pay attention to me,

and watch closely what I do.

²⁷A prostitute is as dangerous as a deep pit,

and an unfaithful wife is like a narrow well.

²⁸They ambush you like robbers

and cause many men to be unfaithful to their wives.

²⁹Who has trouble? Who has pain?

Who fights? Who complains?

Who has unnecessary bruises?

Who has bloodshot eyes?

³⁰It is people who drink too much wine,

who try out all different kinds of strong drinks.

³¹Don’t stare at the wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup,

when it goes down smoothly.

³²Later it bites like a snake

with poison in its fangs.

³³Your eyes will see strange sights,

and your mind will be confused.

³⁴You will feel dizzy as if you’re in a storm on the ocean,

as if you’re on top of a ship’s sails.