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21 For drunkards and gluttons come to poverty,
    and lazing about clothes one in rags.
22 [a]Listen to your father who begot you,
    do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy truth and do not sell:
    wisdom, instruction, understanding!

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Footnotes

  1. 23:22–23 Father and mother are associated with truth and wisdom. One should no more rid oneself of truth and wisdom than rid oneself of one’s parents, who are their source.

21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,(A)
    and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Saying 17

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and do not despise your mother when she is old.(B)
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
    wisdom, instruction and insight as well.(C)

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