26 For ^aby means of a harlot
A man is reduced to a crust of bread;
^bAnd¹ an adulteress will ^cprey upon his precious life. ‡

27 Can a man take fire to his bosom,
And his clothes not be burned?

28 Can one walk on hot coals,
And his feet not be seared?

29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
Whoever touches her shall not be innocent.

30 People do not despise a thief
If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.

31 Yet when he is found, ^ahe must restore sevenfold;
He may have to give up all the substance of his house. ‡

32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman ^alacks understanding;
He who does so destroys his own soul. ‡

33 Wounds and dishonor he will get,
And his reproach will not be wiped away.

34 For ^ajealousy is a husband’s fury;
Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. ‡

35 He will¹ accept no recompense,
Nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts. ‡