Proverbs 7:1-27 VOICE

[1] My son, live according to what I am telling you; guard my instructions as you would a treasure deep within you. [2] Stay true to my directives, and they will serve you well; make my teachings the lens through which you see life. [3] Bind cords around your fingers to remind you of them; meditate on them, and you'll engrave them upon your heart. [4] Say to Lady Wisdom, "My sister"; recognize that understanding is your best friend, [5] And they will keep you from the arms of another woman- protect you from the enchantress who entices men into her bed. [6] One day I was at the window of my house, looking out through my lattice shutters, [7] And there among the usual crowd of the gullible people I spotted a naive young man. [8] He was going down the street near the corner where she lived-that mysterious and evil woman- taking the road that led directly to her house. [9] At the end of the day, as night approached and darkness crept in, [10] I saw her! A woman came out to meet him. She was dressed for temptation and devious with her affections. [11] Here's what I know about her: she is loud and obnoxious, a rebel against what is proper and decent. She's always on the move-anxious to get out of the house and [12] Down the street; at times in the open, at others lurking around every corner. [13] As I am watching them, she grabs him and kisses him, then shamelessly tells him: [14] The Immoral Woman: It was my turn to offer a peace offering, and today I paid my vows, [15] So now I come to see you. I really want to be with you, and what luck! I have found you! [16] You'll be impressed. I have decorated my couch, laid colorful Egyptian linens over where we will be together, [17] And perfumed the bed with exotic oils and herbs: myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. [18] Come in, and we will feast on love until sunrise; we will delight ourselves in our affections. [19] You don't need to worry; my husband is long gone by now, away from home on a distant journey. [20] He took a bag of money with him, so I don't expect him home until next month. [21] It worked! She enticed him with seductive words, seduced him with her smooth talk. [22] Right away he followed her home. He followed her like a bull being led to the slaughter, Like a fool caught in a trap [23] (that is, until an arrow punctures his liver), Like a bird flying straight into a net. He had no clue his life was at stake; everything was about to change. [24] This is why it is so important that you listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to all I am telling you. [25] Do not let your mind wonder about her ways; do not lose yourself and drift down her path, [26] For she's claimed one life after another, victim after victim, too many to count. [27] Her house is the gateway to the grave; every step toward her is a step toward death's dark chamber.