Proverbs 5:1-14

1My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Open your ears to my understanding

2so that you may act with foresight and speak with insight.

3The lips of an adulterous woman drip with honey. Her kiss is smoother than oil,

4but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, as sharp as a two-edged sword.

5Her feet descend to death. Her steps lead straight to hell.

6She doesn’t even think about the path of life. Her steps wander, and she doesn’t realize it.

7But now, sons, listen to me, and do not turn away from what I say to you.

8Stay far away from her. Do not even go near her door.

9Either you will surrender your reputation to others and ⌞the rest of⌟ your years to some cruel person,

10or strangers will benefit from your strength and you will have to work hard in a pagan’s house.

11Then you will groan when your end comes, when your body and flesh are consumed. You will say,

12“Oh, how I hated discipline! How my heart despised correction!

13I didn’t listen to what my teachers said to me, nor did I keep my ear open to my instructors.

14I almost reached total ruin in the assembly and in the congregation.”