Proverbs 5

1verseMy son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding,

2versethat you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge.

3verseFor the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil,

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

5verseHer feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol.

6verseShe gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it.

7verseNow therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don’t depart from the words of my mouth.

8verseRemove your way far from her. Don’t come near the door of her house,

9verselest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;

10verselest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man’s house.

11verseYou will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,

12verseand say, “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof.

13verseI haven’t obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!

14verseI have come to the brink of utter ruin, among the gathered assembly.”

15verseDrink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well.

16verseShould your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

17verseLet them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you.

18verseLet your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19verseA loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.

20verseFor why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another?

21verseFor the ways of man are before the LORD’s eyes. He examines all his paths.

22verseThe evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly.

23verseHe will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.