Proverbs 7- 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 offerings [1] 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 deer [2] stepping into a noose [3]
- 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] leading down to the chambers of death.
- [14] Traditionally peace offerings
- [22] Syriac (see also Septuagint); Hebrew fool
- [22] The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.
- [27] Hebrew Sheol