17Never envy evil people, but always respect the LORD.
18This will give you something to hope for that will not disappoint you.
19So listen, my son, and be wise. Always be careful to follow the right path.
20Don’t make friends with people who drink too much wine and eat too much food.
21Those who eat and drink too much become poor. They sleep too much and end up wearing rags.
22Listen to your father. Without him, you would never have been born. Respect your mother, even when she is old.
23Truth, wisdom, learning, and understanding are worth paying money for. They are worth far too much to ever sell.
24The father of a good person is very happy. A wise child brings him joy.
25Make both of your parents happy. Give your mother that same joy.
26My son, listen closely to what I am saying. Let my life be your example.
27Prostitutes and bad women are a trap. They are like a deep well that you cannot escape.
28A bad woman waits for you like a thief, and she causes many men to be unfaithful to their wives.
29[29-30] Who gets into fights and arguments? Who gets hurt for no reason and has red, bloodshot eyes? People who stay out too late drinking wine, staring into their strong drinks.
31So be careful with wine. It is pretty and red as it sparkles in the cup. And it goes down so smoothly when you drink it.
32But in the end, it will bite like a snake.
33Wine will cause you to see strange things and to say things that make no sense.
34When you lie down, you will think you are on a rough sea and feel like you are at the top of the mast.
35You will say, “They hit me, but I never felt it. They beat me, but I don’t remember it. Now I can’t wake up. I need another drink.”
