26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge 26 or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay, 27 your very bed will be snatched from under you.
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone 28 set up by your forefathers.
29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? 29 He will serve before kings; 29 he will not serve before obscure men.
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler, 1 note well what[a] is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat 2 if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies, 3 for that food is deceptive.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; 4 have the wisdom to show restraint.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, 5 for they will surely sprout wings 5 and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, 6 do not crave his delicacies;
7 for he is the kind of man 7 who is always thinking about the cost.[b] 7 "Eat and drink," he says to you, 7 but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten 8 and will have wasted your compliments.
9 Do not speak to a fool, 9 for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone 10 or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong; 11 he will take up their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction 12 and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; 13 if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
14 Punish him with the rod 14 and save his soul from death.[c]
15 My son, if your heart is wise, 15 then my heart will be glad;
16 my inmost being will rejoice 16 when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, 17 but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
18 There is surely a future hope for you, 18 and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and be wise, 19 and keep your heart on the right path.
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine 20 or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, 21 and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, 22 and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; 23 get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; 24 he who has a wise son delights in him.
25 May your father and mother be glad; 25 may she who gave you birth rejoice!
26 My son, give me your heart 26 and let your eyes keep to my ways,
