[1] My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. [2] Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. [3] Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your nearest kin, [5] That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words. [6] For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, [7] And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding, [8] Passing along the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house [9] In the twilight, in the evening, In the black and dark night. [10] And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. [11] She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. [12] At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner. [13] So she caught him and kissed him; With an impudent face she said to him: [14] "I have peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows. [15] So I came out to meet you, Diligently to seek your face, And I have found you. [16] I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. [17] I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. [18] Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. [19] For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; [20] He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day." [21] With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. [22] Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, [23] Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life. [24] Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: [25] Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; [26] For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. [27] Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death.
