Proverbs 23:12-28

Living Bible

¹² Don’t refuse to accept criticism; get all the help^[a] you can.

^13-14 Don’t fail to correct your children; discipline won’t hurt them! They won’t die if you use a stick on them! Punishment will keep them out of hell.

^15-16 My son, how I will rejoice if you become a man of common sense. Yes, my heart will thrill to your thoughtful, wise words.

^17-18 Don’t envy evil men but continue to reverence the Lord all the time, for surely you have a wonderful future ahead of you. There is hope for you yet!

^19-21 O my son, be wise and stay in God’s paths; don’t carouse with drunkards and gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty. And remember that too much sleep clothes a man with rags. ²² Listen to your father’s advice and don’t despise an old mother’s experience. ²³ Get the facts at any price, and hold on tightly to all the good sense you can get. ^24-25 The father of a godly man has cause for joy—what pleasure a wise son is! So give your parents joy!

^26-28 O my son, trust my advice—stay away from prostitutes. For a prostitute is a deep and narrow grave. Like a robber, she waits for her victims as one after another become unfaithful to their wives.