1My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen to my words of understanding.
2Be careful to use good sense, and watch what you say.
3The words of another man's wife may seem sweet as honey; they may be as smooth as olive oil.
4But in the end she will bring you sorrow, causing you pain like a two-edged sword.
5She is on the way to death; her steps are headed straight to the grave.
6She gives little thought to life. She doesn't even know that her ways are wrong.
7Now, my sons, listen to me, and don't ignore what I say.
8Stay away from such a woman. Don't even go near the door of her house,
9or you will give your riches to others, and the best years of your life will be given to someone cruel.
10Strangers will enjoy your wealth, and what you worked so hard for will go to someone else.
11You will groan at the end of your life when your health is gone.
12Then you will say, "I hated being told what to do! I would not listen to correction!
13I would not listen to my teachers or pay attention to my instructors.
14I came close to being completely ruined in front of a whole group of people."
15Be faithful to your own wife, just as you drink water from your own well.
16Don't pour your water in the streets; don't give your love to just any woman.
17These things are yours alone and shouldn't be shared with strangers.
18Be happy with the wife you married when you were young. She gives you joy, as your fountain gives you water.
19She is as lovely and graceful as a deer. Let her love always make you happy; let her love always hold you captive.
20My son, don't be held captive by a woman who takes part in adultery. Don't hug another man's wife.
21The Lord sees everything you do, and he watches where you go.
22An evil man will be caught in his wicked ways; the ropes of his sins will tie him up.
23He will die because he does not control himself, and he will be held captive by his foolishness.