[1] My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen to my words of understanding. [2] Be careful to use good sense, and watch what you say. [3] The words of another man's wife may seem sweet as honey; they may be as smooth as olive oil. [4] But in the end she will bring you sorrow, causing you pain like a two-edged sword. [5] She is on the way to death; her steps are headed straight to the grave. [6] She gives little thought to life. She doesn't even know that her ways are wrong. [7] Now, my sons, listen to me, and don't ignore what I say. [8] Stay away from such a woman. Don't even go near the door of her house, [9] or you will give your riches to others, and the best years of your life will be given to someone cruel. [10] Strangers will enjoy your wealth, and what you worked so hard for will go to someone else. [11] You will groan at the end of your life when your health is gone. [12] Then you will say, "I hated being told what to do! I would not listen to correction! [13] I would not listen to my teachers or pay attention to my instructors. [14] I came close to being completely ruined in front of a whole group of people." [15] Be faithful to your own wife, just as you drink water from your own well. [16] Don't pour your water in the streets; don't give your love to just any woman. [17] These things are yours alone and shouldn't be shared with strangers. [18] Be happy with the wife you married when you were young. She gives you joy, as your fountain gives you water. [19] She is as lovely and graceful as a deer. Let her love always make you happy; let her love always hold you captive. [20] My son, don't be held captive by a woman who takes part in adultery. Don't fondle a woman who is not your wife. [21] The LORD sees everything you do, and he watches where you go. [22] An evil man will be caught in his wicked ways; the ropes of his sins will tie him up. [23] He will die because he does not control himself, and he will be held captive by his foolishness.
