Proverbs 7:6-8:11

6At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice.

7I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.

8He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house

9at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.

10Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

11(She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home;

12now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)

13She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:

14“Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.

15So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!

16I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.

17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

18Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!

19My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.

20He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.”

21With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

22All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer Syriac (see also Septuagint); Hebrew fool stepping into a noose The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.

23till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

24Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.

25Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.

26Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.

Wisdom’s Call 1Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

2At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:

4“To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

5You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it. Septuagint; Hebrew foolish, instruct your minds

6Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

7My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.

8All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.

9To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.

10Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,

11for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.