[1] Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. [2] Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. [3] Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. [4] Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. [5] Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman. [6] While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, [7] I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. [8] He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. [9] It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. [10] The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. [11] She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. [12] She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. [13] She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, [14] "I've just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. [15] You're the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! [16] My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. [17] I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. [18] Come, let's drink our fill of love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's caresses, [19] for my husband is not home. He's away on a long trip. [20] He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won't return until later this month. " [21] So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. [22] He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, [23] awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life. [24] So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. [25] Don't let your hearts stray away toward her. Don't wander down her wayward path. [26] For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. [27] Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.
