[1] My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
[2] Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
[3] For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil.
[4] But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword.
[5] Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.
[6] For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.
[7] So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say:
[8] Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house!
[9] If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.
[10] Strangers will consume your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
[11] In the end you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body.
[12] You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
[13] Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
[14] I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”
[15] Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife.
[16] Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone?
[17] You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.
[18] Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
[19] She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.
[20] Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
[21] For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
[22] An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.
[23] He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.