Saying 7
23:1 When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,
23:2 And put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.
23:3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
Saying 8
23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom.
23:5 When you cast your eyes on riches, it is gone; for it surely sprouts wings and flies off into the sky like an eagle.
Saying 9
23:6 Do not eat the food of a stingy person, or desire his delicacies.
23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so is he. “Eat and drink”, he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
23:8 You will vomit up the morsel you ate, and will waste your pleasant words.
Saying 10
23:9 Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will disdain the wisdom of your words.
Saying 11
23:10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
23:11 For their redeemer is strong. He will plead their case against you.
Saying 12
23:12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.
Saying 13
23:13 Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
23:14 You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.
Saying 14
23:15 Beni (my son), if your heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
23:16 Vetaaloznah khilyotai bedaber sefateikha meisharim:
Yes, my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak right things.
Saying 15
23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of YHVH (יהוה) all the day;
23:18 For surely there is an end; and your expectation shall not be cut off.
Saying 16
23:19 Hear you, Beni (my son), and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.
23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags.
Saying 17
23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old.
23:23 Acquire truth and do not sell it, acquire wisdom, instruction and understanding.
23:24 The father of a righteous one rejoices greatly. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
23:25 Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she that bare you shall rejoice.
Saying 18
23:26 Beni (my son), give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
23:27 For a harlot is a deep pit, And a seductress is a narrow well.
23:28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, And increases the unfaithful among men.
Saying 19
23:29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has fights? Who has complaining? Who has bruises for no reason? Who has red eyes?
23:30 Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
23:31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it glides down smoothly.
23:32 In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.
23:33 Your eyes will see strange things. Your heart will utter perverse things.
23:34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
23:35 They hit me! But I was not hurt. They beat me up! But I did not feel it. When will I wake up? I will look for another drink.”