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1.
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.
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2.
Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
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3.
Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
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4.
Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman;
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5.
they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.
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6.
At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice.
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7.
I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment.
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8.
He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house
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9.
at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
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10.
Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
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11.
(She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home;
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12.
now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)
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13.
She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:
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14.
"I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.
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15.
So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!
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16.
I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.
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17.
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
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18.
Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love!
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19.
My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
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20.
He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon."
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21.
With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
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22.
All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose
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23.
till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.
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24.
Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.
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25.
Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.
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26.
Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.
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27.
Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.
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