Proverbs 23:19-25

New International Version

Saying 16

¹⁹Listen, my son,^(A) and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:
²⁰Do not join those who drink too much wine^(B)
    or gorge themselves on meat,
²¹for drunkards and gluttons become poor,^(C)
    and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Saying 17

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

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Colossians 3:12-4:1

New International Version

¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(B) gentleness and patience.^(C) ¹³Bear with each other^(D) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^(E) ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love,^(F) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(G)

¹⁵Let the peace of Christ^(H) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(I) you were called to peace.^(J) And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the message of Christ^(K) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(L) through psalms,^(M) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^(N) ¹⁷And whatever you do,^(O) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(P) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households^(Q)

¹⁸Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(R) as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹Fathers,^[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance^(S) from the Lord as a reward.^(T) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.^(U)