20 Do not join those who drink too much winel

or gorge themselves on meat,

21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,m

and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Saying 17

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,

and do not despise your mother when she is old.n

23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—

wisdom, instruction and insight as well.o

24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;

a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.p

25 May your father and mother rejoice;

may she who gave you birth be joyful!q

Saying 18

26 My son,r give me your heart

and let your eyes delight in my ways,s

27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,t

and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

28 Like a bandit she lies in waitu

and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

Saying 19

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,v

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!

32 In the end it bites like a snake

and poisons like a viper.

33 Your eyes will see strange sights,

and your mind will imagine confusing things.

34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,

lying on top of the rigging.

35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!

They beat me, but I don’t feel it!

When will I wake up

so I can find another drink?”w