Avoid Immoral Women

1My son, pay attention to my wisdom;

listen carefully to my wise counsel.

2Then you will show discernment,

and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

3For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,

and her mouth is smoother than oil.

4But in the end she is as bitter as poison,

as dangerous as a double-edged sword.

5Her feet go down to death;

her steps lead straight to the grave.a

6For she cares nothing about the path to life.

She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.

7So now, my sons, listen to me.

Never stray from what I am about to say:

8Stay away from her!

Don’t go near the door of her house!

9If you do, you will lose your honor

and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.

10Strangers will consume your wealth,

and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

11In the end you will groan in anguish

when disease consumes your body.

12You will say, “How I hated discipline!

If only I had not ignored all the warnings!

13Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?

Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?

14I have come to the brink of utter ruin,

and now I must face public disgrace.”

15Drink water from your own well—

share your love only with your wife.b

16Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,

having sex with just anyone?c

17You should reserve it for yourselves.

Never share it with strangers.

18Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.

Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.

Let her breasts satisfy you always.

May you always be captivated by her love.

20Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,

or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

21For the LORD sees clearly what a man does,

examining every path he takes.

22An evil man is held captive by his own sins;

they are ropes that catch and hold him.

23He will die for lack of self-control;

he will be lost because of his great foolishness.