Proverbs 7:16-27 ▼

16 I’ve spread coverings on my bed — richly colored linen from Egypt.

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

18 Come, let’s drink deeply of lovemaking until morning. Let’s feast on each other’s love!

19 My husband isn’t home; he went on a long journey.

20 He took a bag of money with him and will come home at the time of the full moon.”

21 She seduces him with her persistent pleading; she lures with her flattering talk.

22 He follows her impulsively like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding toward a trap

23 until an arrow pierces its liver, like a bird darting into a snare — he doesn’t know it will cost him his life.

24 Now, my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth.

25 Don’t let your heart turn aside to her ways; don’t stray onto her paths.

26 For she has brought many down to death; her victims are countless.

27 Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.