1 My son, pay attention to my words, and preserve my commandments within you.

2 Obey my commandments and live, and my teaching like the pupil of your eye.

3 Bind them upon your fingers. Write them upon the table of your heart.

4 Say to wisdom: »You are my sister!« Call understanding your friend.

5 That they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.

6 I looked out the window of my house.

7 I saw among the simple ones, I discerned among the youth, a young man without understanding.

8 He passed through the street near her corner. He went to her house.

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the darkness of the night:

10 He met an evil hearted woman dressed seductively like an immoral woman.

11 She is loud and rebellious and never stays at home.

12 Now in the streets and squares, she waits at every corner.

13 She put her arms around him and kissed him, and with an impudent look she said:

14 »I have peace offerings with me since I paid my vows.

15 »So I came to meet you and seek your presence. I found you.

16 »I covered my bed with fine linen from Egypt.

17 »I perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 »Come; let us take our fill of love until morning. Let us comfort ourselves with love.

19 »My husband is not at home. He went on a long trip.

20 »He took a bag of money with him. He will come home at the appointed day.«

21 She seduced him with her persuasive words. She forced him with her flattering lips.

22 He immediately goes after her. He is like a bull that goes to the slaughter. Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

23 Till a dart strikes through his liver. The bird hurries to the snare without knowing it would cost his life.

24 Listen to me dear sons and pay attention to the words of my mouth.

25 Do not let your heart go after her ways. Do not stray in her paths.

26 She has wounded many. Many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to the grave, going down to the chambers of death.