Proverbs 7:21–8:4

21  With much seductive speech she persuades him;

with gher smooth talk she compels him.

22  All at once he follows her,

as an ox goes to the slaughter,

or as a stag is caught fast5

23  till an arrow pierces its liver;

as ha bird rushes into a snare;

he does not know that it will cost him his life.

24  And inow, O sons, listen to me,

and be attentive to the words of my mouth.

25  Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;

do not stray into her paths,

26  for many a victim has she laid low,

and all her slain are ja mighty throng.

27  Her house is kthe way to Sheol,

going down to the chambers of death.

The Blessings of Wisdom

8 Does not lwisdom call?

Does not munderstanding raise her voice?

2  On nthe heights beside the way,

at the crossroads she takes her stand;

3  beside othe gates in front of pthe town,

at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

4  “To you, O qmen, I call,

and my cry is to qthe children of man.