11 For their (A)Redeemer is strong;
(B)He will plead their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to discipline,
And your ears to words of knowledge.

13 (C)Do not withhold discipline from a child;
Though you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
14 You shall strike him with the rod
And (D)rescue his soul from Sheol.

15 My son, if your heart is (E)wise,
My own heart also will be glad,
16 And my [a]innermost being will rejoice
When your lips speak (F)what is right.

17 (G)Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But live in [b]the (H)fear of the Lord [c]always.
18 Certainly there is a [d](I)future,
And your (J)hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my son, and (K)be wise,
And (L)direct your heart in the way.
20 Do not be with (M)heavy drinkers of wine,
Or with (N)gluttonous eaters of meat;

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:16 Lit kidneys
  2. Proverbs 23:17 Or reverence for
  3. Proverbs 23:17 Lit all the day
  4. Proverbs 23:18 Lit latter end

11 for their Defender(A) is strong;(B)
    he will take up their case against you.(C)

Saying 12

12 Apply your heart to instruction(D)
    and your ears to words of knowledge.

Saying 13

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
    if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
14 Punish them with the rod
    and save them from death.(E)

Saying 14

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    then my heart will be glad indeed;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
    when your lips speak what is right.(F)

Saying 15

17 Do not let your heart envy(G) sinners,
    but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,
    and your hope will not be cut off.(H)

Saying 16

19 Listen, my son,(I) and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine(J)
    or gorge themselves on meat,

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