Proverbs 23:9-18

English Standard Version

⁹ Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
    for he will despise the good sense of your words.
^10 (A)Do not move an ancient landmark
    or enter the fields of the fatherless,
¹¹ for their ^(B)Redeemer is strong;
    he will ^(C)plead their cause against you.
¹² Apply your heart to instruction
    and your ear to words of knowledge.
¹³ Do not withhold ^(D)discipline from a child;
    ^(E)if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
¹⁴ If you strike him with the rod,
    you will ^(F)save his soul from Sheol.
^15 (G)My son, if your heart is wise,
    my heart too will be glad.
¹⁶ My ^(H)inmost being^[a] will exult
    when your lips speak ^(I)what is right.
¹⁷ Let not your heart ^(J)envy sinners,
    but continue in ^(K)the fear of the Lord all the day.
¹⁸ Surely ^(L)there is a future,
    and your ^(M)hope will not be cut off.