^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 [3] stepping into a noose [2]

^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.