Proverbs 6:20-35

20My son, be guided by your father’s [God-given] commandment (instruction) And do not reject the teaching of your mother;

21Bind them continually upon your heart (in your thoughts), And tie them around your neck.

22When you walk about, they (the godly teachings of your parents) will guide you; When you sleep, they will keep watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you.

23For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life,

24To keep you from the evil woman, From [the flattery of] the smooth tongue of an immoral woman.

25Do not desire (lust after) her beauty in your heart, Nor let her capture you with her eyelashes.

26For on account of a prostitute one is reduced to a piece of bread [to be eaten up], And the immoral woman hunts [with a hook] the precious life [of a man].

27Can a man take fire to his chest And his clothes not be burned?

28Or can a man walk on hot coals And his feet not be scorched?

29So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her will not be found innocent or go unpunished.

30People do not despise a thief if he steals To satisfy himself when he is hungry;

31But when he is found, he must repay seven times [what he stole]; He must give all the property of his house [if necessary to meet his fine].

32But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks common sense and sound judgment and an understanding [of moral principles]; He who would destroy his soul does it.

33Wounds and disgrace he will find, And his reproach (blame) will not be blotted out.

34For jealousy enrages the [wronged] husband; He will not spare [the guilty one] on the day of vengeance.

35He will not accept any ransom [offered to buy him off from demanding full punishment]; Nor will he be satisfied though you offer him many gifts (bribes).