[1] Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.
[2] Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
[3] Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
[4] Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.
[5] Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
[6] While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain,
[7] I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense.
[8] He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house.
[9] It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell.
[10] The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart.
[11] She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home.
[12] She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.
[13] She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said,
[14] “I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows.
[15] You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are!
[16] My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
[17] I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
[18] Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
[19] for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip.
[20] He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month.”
[21] So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery.
[22] He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap,
[23] awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
[24] So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.
[25] Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path.
[26] For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims.
[27] Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.