Immerse: Poets Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 247
23:9-27
P ro v er b s
235
Don’t waste your breath on fools,
for they will despise the wisest advice.
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers;
don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.
For their Redeemer is strong;
he himself will bring their charges against you.
Commit yourself to instruction;
listen carefully to words of knowledge.
Don’t fail to discipline your children.
The rod of punishment won’t kill them.
Physical discipline
may well save them from death.
My child, if your heart is wise,
my own heart will rejoice!
Everything in me will celebrate
when you speak what is right.
Don’t envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the Lord.
You will be rewarded for this;
your hope will not be disappointed.
My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course.
Do not carouse with drunkards
or feast with gluttons,
for they are on their way to poverty,
and too much sleep clothes them in rags.
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Get the truth and never sell it;
also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy.
O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
A prostitute is a dangerous trap;
a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
