Study Desk

My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,

So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend.

For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

For by means of a harlotA man is reduced to a crust of bread;And an adulteress [fn] will prey upon his precious life.

For jealousy is a husband's fury; Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice,

For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey;

For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men.

Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

"Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.

For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

"He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.

For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."

For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city,

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.