[1] My son, obey my words. Store up my commands inside you. [2] Obey my commands and you will live. Guard my teachings as you would guard your own eyes. [3] Tie them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] Say to wisdom, “You are my sister.” Say to understanding, “You are a member of my family.” [5] They will keep you from a woman who commits adultery. They will keep you from the smooth talk of a sinful wife. [6] I stood at the window of my house. I looked down through it. [7] Among those who were childish I saw a young man who had no sense. [8] He went down the street near that sinful woman’s corner. He walked toward her house. [9] The sun had gone down, and the day was fading. The darkness of night was falling. [10] A woman came out to meet him. She was dressed like a prostitute and had a clever plan. [11] She was wild and pushy. She never stayed at home. [12] Sometimes she’s in the streets. Sometimes she’s at other places. At every corner she waits. [13] She took hold of the young man and kissed him. With a bold face she spoke to him. She said, [14] “Today I offered what I promised I would. At home I have meat left over from my fellowship offering. [15] So I came out to meet you. I looked for you and have found you! [16] I have covered my bed with colored sheets from Egypt. [17] I’ve perfumed my bed with spices. I used myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. [18] Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy ourselves by sleeping together! [19] My husband isn’t home. He’s gone on a long journey. [20] He took his bag full of money. He won’t be home for several days.” [21] She led him astray with her clever words. She charmed him with her smooth talk. [22] All at once he followed her. He was like an ox going to be killed. He was like a deer stepping into a trap [23] until an arrow struck its liver. He was like a bird rushing into a trap. Little did he know it would cost him his life! [24] My sons, listen to me. Pay attention to what I say. [25] Don’t let your hearts turn to her ways. Don’t step onto her paths. [26] She has brought down a lot of men. She has killed a huge crowd. [27] Her house is a road to the grave. It leads down to the place of the dead.
