Proverbs

¹ My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.

² guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

³ write them on the tablet of your heart.

⁴ and call understanding your kinsman;

⁵ from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

⁶ I looked out through the lattice.

⁷ I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment.

⁸ walking along in the direction of her house

⁹ as the dark of night set in.

¹⁰ dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

¹¹ her feet never stay at home;

¹² at every corner she lurks.)

¹³ and with a brazen face she said:

¹⁴ today I fulfilled my vows.

¹⁵ I looked for you and have found you!

¹⁶ with colored linens from Egypt.

¹⁷ with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

¹⁸ let’s enjoy ourselves with love!

¹⁹ he has gone on a long journey.

²⁰ and will not be home till full moon.”

²¹ she seduced him with her smooth talk.

²² like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose

²³ like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

²⁴ pay attention to what I say.

²⁵ or stray into her paths.

²⁶ her slain are a mighty throng.

²⁷ leading down to the chambers of death.