Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
the Week of Proper 2 / Ordinary 7
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New International Version

Proverbs 7

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Warning Against the Adulterous Woman

1 My son,(a) keep my words
    and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live;(b)
    guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.(c)
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
    and to insight, "You are my relative."
5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words.(d)

6 At the window of my house
    I looked down through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple,
    I noticed among the young men,
    a youth who had no sense.(e)
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
    walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight,(f) as the day was fading,
    as the dark of night set in.

10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
    dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is unruly(g) and defiant,
    her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
    at every corner she lurks.)(h)
13 She took hold of him(i) and kissed him
    and with a brazen face she said:(j)

14 "Today I fulfilled my vows,
    and I have food from my fellowship offering(k) at home.
15 So I came out to meet you;
    I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
    with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed(l)
    with myrrh,(m) aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let's drink deeply of love till morning;
    let's enjoy ourselves with love!(n)
19 My husband is not at home;
    he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money
    and will not be home till full moon."

21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
    she seduced him with her smooth talk.(o)
22 All at once he followed her
    like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer[a] stepping into a noose[b](p)
23     till an arrow pierces(q) his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
    little knowing it will cost him his life.(r)

24 Now then, my sons, listen(s) to me;
    pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
    or stray into her paths.(t)
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
    her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave,
    leading down to the chambers of death.(u)

 
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