1 My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you. |
2 Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. |
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart. |
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
and call understanding your kinsman; |
5 they will keep you from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words. |
6 At the window of my house
I looked out through the lattice. |
7 I saw among the simple,
I noticed among the young men,
a youth who lacked judgment. |
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house |
9 at twilight, as the day was fading,
as the dark of night set in. |
10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. |
11 (She is loud and defiant,
her feet never stay at home; |
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.) |
13 She took hold of him and kissed him
and with a brazen face she said: |
14 "I have fellowship offerings1 7:14 Traditionally peace offerings at home;
today I fulfilled my vows. |
15 So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you! |
16 I have covered my bed
with colored linens from Egypt. |
17 I have perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. |
18 Come, let's drink deep of love till morning;
let's enjoy ourselves with love! |
19 My husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey. |
20 He took his purse filled with money
and will not be home till full moon." |
21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk. |
22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer2 7:22 Syriac (see also Septuagint); Hebrew fool stepping into a noose3 7:22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain. |
23 till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life. |
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to what I say. |
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths. |
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng. |
27 Her house is a highway to the grave,4 7:27 Hebrew Sheol
leading down to the chambers of death. |
