²⁰ Do not join those who drink too much wine^(A)
    or gorge themselves on meat,
²¹ for drunkards and gluttons become poor,^(B)
    and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

²² Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and do not despise your mother when she is old.^(C)
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
    wisdom, instruction and insight as well.^(D)
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
    a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.^(E)
25 May your father and mother rejoice;
    may she who gave you birth be joyful!^(F)

²⁶ My son,^(G) give me your heart
    and let your eyes delight in my ways,^(H)
27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,^(I)
    and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
²⁸ Like a bandit she lies in wait^(J)
    and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

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,^(K)
    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!