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.