BSB · Scripture
Proverbs 7
Berean Standard Bible
Section headings and translator notes come from the publisher; they are reading aids, distinct from the Bible text.
Warnings about the Adulteress
Verse1My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you.
Verse2Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
Verse3Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Verse4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman,
Verse5that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.
Verse6For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice.
Verse7I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment,
Verse8crossing the street near her corner, strolling down the road to her house,
Verse9at twilight, as the day was fading into the dark of the night.
Verse10Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.
Verse11She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home.
Verse12Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.
Verse13She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him:
Verse14“I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows.
Verse15So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you.
Verse16I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt.
Verse17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.
Verse18Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. Let us delight in loving caresses!
Verse19For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
Verse20He took with him a bag of money and will not return till the moon is full.”
Verse21With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him.
Verse22He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,
Verse23until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life.
Verse24Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth.
Verse25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths.
Verse26For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number.
Verse27Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.
Translator notes (2)
- Verse 2: Literally the pupil
- Verse 22: Probable reading (see LXX, Vulgate, Syriac); Hebrew like fetters to discipline a fool