Proverbs 7 Today's Daily Bread

Another Warning about Immoral Women

1Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. 2Obey them and live! Guard my teachings as your most precious possession. F13 3Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

4Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. 5Let them hold you back from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of an adulterous woman.

6I was looking out the window of my house one day 7and saw a simpleminded young man who lacked common sense. 8He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman. He was strolling down the path by her house 9at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 10The woman approached him, dressed seductively and sly of heart. 11She was the brash, rebellious type who never stays at home. 12She is often seen in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.

13She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, 14"I've offered my sacrifices and just finished my vows. 15It's you I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! 16My bed is spread with colored sheets of finest linen imported from Egypt. 17I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18Come, let's drink our fill of love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's caresses, 19for my husband is not home. He's away on a long trip. 20He has taken a wallet full of money with him, and he won't return until later in the month."

21So she seduced him with her pretty speech. With her flattery she enticed him. 22He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, 23awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.

24Listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. 25Don't let your hearts stray away toward her. Don't wander down her wayward path. 26For she has been the ruin of many; numerous men have been her victims. 27Her house is the road to the grave. F14 Her bedroom is the den of death.
FOOTNOTES:
F13: Hebrew as the apple of your eye.
F14: Hebrew to Sheol.