Proverbs 7:13–25

¹³She took hold of the young man and kissed him.

With a bold face she spoke to him.

¹⁴She said, “At home I have meat left over from my offerings.

Today I offered what I had promised I would.

¹⁵So I came out to meet you.

I looked for you. And I have found you!

¹⁶I have covered my bed

with colored sheets from Egypt.

¹⁷I’ve perfumed my bed with spices.

I used myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

¹⁸Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.

Let’s enjoy ourselves by having sex!

¹⁹My husband isn’t home.

He’s gone on a long journey.

²⁰He took his bag full of money.

He won’t be home for several days.”

²¹She led him down the wrong path with her clever words.

She charmed him with her smooth talk.

²²All at once he followed her.

He was like an ox going to be killed.

He was like a deer stepping into a trap

²³until an arrow struck its liver.

He was like a bird rushing into a trap.

Little did he know it would cost him his life!

²⁴My sons, listen to me.

Pay attention to what I say.

²⁵Don’t let your hearts turn to her ways.

Don’t step onto her paths.