Proverbs 6:1-35 CEV

[1] My child, suppose you agree to pay the debt of someone, who cannot repay a loan. [2] Then you are trapped by your own words, [3] and you are now in the power of someone else. Here is what you should do: Go and beg for permission to call off the agreement. [4] Do this before you fall asleep or even get sleepy. [5] Save yourself, just as a deer or a bird tries to escape from a hunter. [6] You lazy people can learn by watching an anthill. [7] Ants don't have leaders, [8] but they store up food during harvest season. [9] How long will you lie there doing nothing at all? When are you going to get up and stop sleeping? [10] Sleep a little. Doze a little. Fold your hands and twiddle your thumbs. [11] Suddenly, everything is gone, as though it had been taken by an armed robber. [12] Worthless liars go around [13] winking and giving signals to deceive others. [14] They are always thinking up something cruel and evil, and they stir up trouble. [15] But they will be struck by sudden disaster and left without a hope. [16] There are six or seven kinds of people the LORD doesn't like: [17] Those who are too proud or tell lies or murder, [18] those who make evil plans or are quick to do wrong, [19] those who tell lies in court or stir up trouble in a family. [20] Obey the teaching of your parents- [21] always keep it in mind and never forget it. [22] Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake. [23] The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life. [24] They will protect you from the flattering words of someone else's wife. [25] Don't let yourself be attracted by the charm and lovely eyes of someone like that. [26] A woman who sells her love can be bought for as little as the price of a meal. But making love to another man's wife will cost you everything. [27] If you carry burning coals, you burn your clothes; [28] if you step on hot coals, you burn your feet. [29] And if you go to bed with another man's wife, you pay the price. [30] We don't put up with thieves, not even with one who steals for something to eat. [31] And thieves who get caught must pay back seven times what was stolen and lose everything. [32] But if you go to bed with another man's wife, you will destroy yourself by your own stupidity. [33] You will be beaten and forever disgraced, [34] because a jealous husband can be furious and merciless when he takes revenge. [35] He won't let you pay him off, no matter what you offer.