My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 1
Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 2
Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 3
Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman; 4
they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. 5
At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. 6
I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. 7
He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 8
at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 9
Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 10
(She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 11
now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 12
She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 13
"I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. 14
So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 15
I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 16
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 17
Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! 18
My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 19
He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon." 20
With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 21
All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 22
till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 23
Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 24
Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 25
Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 26
Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. 27