The Words of the Wise — Proverbs 22:26–23:5

Be thou not one of them that strike hands, Or of them that are sureties for debts.

If thou hast not wherewith to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

Remove not the ancient landmark, Which thy fathers have set.

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently him that is before thee;

And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite.

Be not desirous of his dainties; Seeing they are deceitful food.

Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom.

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.