Proverbs 23:1

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully ¹  what ²  is before you,

When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,

When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you,

When dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.

When you go out to dinner with an influential person, mind your manners:

When you take your seat at the feast with a ruler, give thought with care to what is before you;

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you,

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully ¹  what ²  is before you,

¹ tn The construction uses the imperfect tense of instruction with the infinitive absolute to emphasize the careful discernment required on such occasions. Cf. NIV “note well”; NLT “pay attention.”

² tn Or “who,” referring to the ruler (so ASV, NAB, TEV).