Listen, my son, and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:
Do not join those who drink too much wine
    or gorge themselves on meat,
for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
    and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it—
    wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
The father of a righteous child has great joy;
    a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
May your father and mother rejoice;
    may she who gave you birth be joyful!

My son, give me your heart
    and let your eyes delight in my ways,
for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,
    and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
Like a bandit she lies in wait
    and multiplies the unfaithful among men.