[1] My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. [2] Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you've learned. [3] For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. [4] But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword. [5] Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. [6] For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn't realize it. [7] So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say: [8] Stay away from her! Don't go near the door of her house! [9] If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved. [10] Strangers will consume your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor. [11] In the end you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body. [12] You will say, "How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! [13] Oh, why didn't I listen to my teachers? Why didn't I pay attention to my instructors? [14] I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace." [15] Drink water from your own well- share your love only with your wife. [16] Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? [17] You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers. [18] Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. [19] She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. [20] Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman? [21] For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. [22] An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. [23] He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.
