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 to insight, “You are my relative.”

5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman,

    from the wayward woman with her seductive words.

6 At the window of my house

    I looked down through the lattice.

7 I saw among the simple,

    I noticed among the young men,

    a youth who had no sense.

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 unruly 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 “Today I fulfilled my vows,

    and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.

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 deeply 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 stepping into a noose

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,

    leading down to the chambers of death.