[1] My son, remember my words. Don't forget what I have told you. [2] Consider my teaching as precious as your own eyes. Obey my commands, and you will have a good life. [3] Tie them around your finger. Write them on your heart. [4] Treat wisdom like the woman you love and knowledge like the one dearest to you. [5] Wisdom will save you from that other woman, the other man's wife, who tempts you with such sweet words. [6] One day I was looking out my window [7] at some foolish teenagers and noticed one who had no sense at all. [8] He was walking through the marketplace and came to the corner where a certain woman lived. He then turned up the road that goes by her house. [9] The day was ending. The sun had set, and it was almost dark. [10] Suddenly, there she was in front of him, dressed like a prostitute. She had plans for him. [11] She was a wild and rebellious woman who would not stay at home. [12] She walked the streets, always looking for someone to trap. [13] She grabbed the young man and kissed him. Without shame, she looked him in the eye and said, [14] "I offered a fellowship offering today. I gave what I promised to give, [15] and I still have plenty of food left. So I came out to find you, and here you are! [16] I have clean sheets on my bed-special ones from Egypt. [17] My bed smells wonderful with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. [18] Come, let's enjoy ourselves all night. We can make love until dawn. [19] My husband has gone on a business trip. [20] He took enough money for a long trip and won't be home for two weeks." [21] This is what the woman said to tempt the young man, and her smooth words tricked him. [22] He followed her, like a bull being led to the slaughter. He was like a deer walking into a trap, [23] where a hunter waits to shoot an arrow through its heart. The boy was like a bird flying into a net, never seeing the danger he was in. [24] Now, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to what I say. [25] Don't let your heart lead you to an evil woman like that. Don't go where she wants to lead you. [26] She has brought down some of the most powerful men; she has left many dead bodies in her path. [27] Her house is the place of death. The road to it leads straight to the grave.
