[1] My son, remember what I say. Treasure my commands. [2] Obey my commands, and you will live. Protect my teachings as you would your own eyes. [3] Remind yourself of them. Write them down in your mind as if on a tablet. [4] Be good to wisdom as if she were your sister. Make understanding your closest friend. [5] Wisdom and understanding will keep you away from adultery. They will keep you away from the unfaithful wife and her pleasing words. [6] I once was standing at the window of my house. I looked out through the shutters. [7] I saw some foolish, young men. I noticed one of them who had no wisdom. [8] He was walking down the street near the corner. He was on the road leading to her house. [9] It was the twilight of the evening. The darkness of the night was just beginning. [10] Then the woman approached him. She was dressed like a prostitute and was planning to trick him. [11] She was a loud and stubborn woman. She never stayed at home. [12] She was always out in the streets or in the city squares. She was always waiting around on the street corners. [13] She grabbed him and kissed him. Without shame she said to him, [14] "I made my fellowship offering and have the meat at home. I have kept my special promises. [15] So I have come out to meet you. I have been looking for you and have found you! [16] I have covered my bed with colored sheets from Egypt. [17] I have made my bed smell sweet with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. [18] Come, let's make love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's love! [19] My husband is not home. He has gone on a long trip. [20] He took a lot of money with him. And he won't be home for weeks." [21] By her clever words she made him give in. By her pleasing words she led him into doing wrong. [22] All at once he followed her. He was like an ox being led to the butcher. He was like a deer caught in a trap. [23] But quickly an arrow shot through his liver. He was like a bird caught in a trap. He didn't know what he did would kill him. [24] Now, my sons, listen to me. Pay attention to what I say. [25] Don't let yourself be tricked by the woman who is guilty of adultery. Don't join her in her evil actions. [26] She has ruined many good men. Many have died because of her. [27] Going to her house is like taking the road to death. That road leads down to where the dead are.
