Proverbs 23:12-23

Easy-to-Read Version

— 11 —

¹² Listen to your teacher and learn all you can.

— 12 —

¹³ Always correct children when they need it. If you spank them, it will not kill them. ¹⁴ In fact, you might save their lives.

— 13 —

¹⁵ My son, it makes me happy when you make a wise decision. ¹⁶ It makes me feel good inside when you say the right things.

— 14 —

¹⁷ Never envy evil people, but always respect the Lord. ¹⁸ This will give you something to hope for that will not disappoint you.

— 15 —

¹⁹ So listen, my son, and be wise. Always be careful to follow the right path. ²⁰ Don’t make friends with people who drink too much wine and eat too much food. ²¹ Those who eat and drink too much become poor. They sleep too much and end up wearing rags.

— 16 —

²² Listen to your father. Without him, you would never have been born. Respect your mother, even when she is old. ²³ Truth, wisdom, learning, and understanding are worth paying money for. They are worth far too much to ever sell.