¹⁹ Listen, my son,^(A) and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:
²⁰ Do not join those who drink too much wine^(B)
    or gorge themselves on meat,
²¹ for drunkards and gluttons become poor,^(C)
    and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

²² Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and do not despise your mother when she is old.^(D)
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
    wisdom, instruction and insight as well.^(E)
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
    a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.^(F)
25 May your father and mother rejoice;
    may she who gave you birth be joyful!^(G)

²⁶ My son,^(H) give me your heart
    and let your eyes delight in my ways,^(I)
27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,^(J)
    and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
²⁸ Like a bandit she lies in wait^(K)
    and multiplies the unfaithful among men.