Beware of Adultery

20 sMy son, keep your father’s command,

And do not forsake the law of your mother.

21 tBind them continually upon your heart;

Tie them around your neck.

22 uWhen you roam, 1they will lead you;

When you sleep, vthey will keep you;

And when you awake, they will speak with you.

23 wFor the commandment is a lamp,

And the law a light;

Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

24 xTo keep you from the evil woman,

From the flattering tongue of a seductress.

25 yDo not lust after her beauty in your heart,

Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.

26 For zby means of a harlot

A man is reduced to a crust of bread;

aAnd 2an adulteress will bprey 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, che must restore sevenfold;

He may have to give up all the substance of his house.

32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman dlacks 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 ejealousy is a husband’s fury;

Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35 He will 3accept no recompense,

Nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.