17 Don’t let your heart envy sinners;(A)
instead, always fear the Lord.(B)
18 For then you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.(C)

19 Listen, my son, and be wise;
keep your mind on the right course.
20 Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine(D)
or with those who gorge themselves on meat.(E)
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor,
and grogginess will clothe them in rags.(F)

22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
and don’t despise your mother when[a] she is old.(G)
23 Buy—and do not sell—truth,
wisdom, instruction, and understanding.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:22 Or because

17 Never let yourself envy sinners;
    instead, remain[a] in fear of the Lord every day,
18 for there is surely a future life,
    and what you hope for will not be cut off.

19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
    commit yourself to live God’s[b] way.
20 Don’t associate with heavy drinkers
    or dine with gluttons,
21 because drunks and gluttons tend to become poor,
    and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.

22 Listen to the one who fathered you,
    and don’t despise your mother in her old age.

23 Purchase truth, but don’t sell it;
    store up[c] wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:17 The Heb. lacks remain
  2. Proverbs 23:19 Lit. live in the
  3. Proverbs 23:23 The Heb. lacks store up