1-3
My
son,
keep my words and store up my commands within you.
Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the
apple of your eye.
Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of
your heart.
4-5
Say to wisdom, "You
are my sister,"
and call understanding your kinsman;
they will keep you from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her
seductive words.
6-9
At the window of my house I looked out through the
lattice.
I saw
among the simple, I noticed among the young men,
a youth who lacked
judgment.
He was going down the street near her
corner,
walking along in the
direction of her house at twilight,
as the day was fading, as
the dark of night set in.
10-12
Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute and with
crafty intent.
(She is loud and defiant, her feet never
stay at home;
now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)
13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:
14-20
"I
have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my
vows.
So I came out to meet you; I looked
for you and have found you!
I have covered my bed with colored linens from
Egypt.
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh,
aloes and cinnamon.
Come,
let's drink deep of love till morning;
let's enjoy ourselves with love! My
husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey. He took
his purse filled with
money and will not be home till full
moon."
21
With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22-23
All at once he followed her like an ox going to the
slaughter,
like a deer stepping into a noose till
an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will
cost him his life.
Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.
Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng.
Her house is a highway to the grave,
leading down to the chambers of death.