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 [Traditionally peace 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 coloured 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 [Syriac (see also Septuagint) Hebrew: fool] stepping into a noose [The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.]
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, [Hebrew: Sheol] leading down to the chambers of death.