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