Proverbs 23:20-30

20 Don't associate with those who drink too much wine, or with those who gorge themselves on meat.

21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe [them] in rags.

22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when^[a] she is old.

23 Buy-and do not sell-truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.^[b]

24 The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.

25 Let your father and mother have joy, and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.^[c]

26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

27 For a prostitute is a deep pit, and a forbidden woman is a narrow well;

28 indeed, she sets an ambush like a robber and increases those among men who are unfaithful.^[d]

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has complaints? Who has wounds for no reason?^[e] Who has red eyes?

30 Those who linger over wine, those who go looking for mixed wine.^[f]

Proverbs 23:20-30 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 11

This chapter relates the false steps Solomon took, notwithstanding all his wisdom, in marrying strange wives, and worshipping other gods, 1Ki 11:1-8 upon which the Lord threatens him to rend the kingdom in his son's time, 1Ki 11:9-13 and he raised up adversaries against him, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam, 1Ki 11:14-26 of which last an account is given, and of his being assured by Ahijah the prophet of his having ten of the tribes of Israel given to him; which Solomon having notice of sought to slay him, 1Ki 11:27-40 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Solomon's death and burial, 1Ki 11:41-43.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or because
• [b]. Pr 4:5,7; 16:16
• [c]. Pr 10:1; 15:20; 17:21; 23:15-16
• [d]. Pr 6:26; 7:22-23; 22:14
• [e]. Pr 23:35
• [f]. Isa 5:11