7:1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.

7:2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

7:3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

7:4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman;

7:5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

7:6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice.

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

7:8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house

7:9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.

7:10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

7:11 (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home;

7:12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)

7:13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:

7:14 "I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.

7:15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!

7:16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.

7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

7:18 Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love!

7:19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.

7:20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon."

7:21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

7:22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose

7:23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

7:24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.

7:25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.

7:26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.

7:27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.