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