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My son, keep my words and store up my commands with you.
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Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
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Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
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Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.”
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They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.
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At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice.
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I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.
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He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house
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at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
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Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
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(She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home;
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now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)
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She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:
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“Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offerings at home.
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So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!
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I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.
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I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
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Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
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My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
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He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till the moon.”
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With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
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All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose
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till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.
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Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.
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Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.
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Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.
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Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.
