When I was a son to my father, a tender only child before my mother,

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; protect it, because it is your life.

For they eat bread gained from wickedness and drink wine obtained from violence.

for they are life to those who find them and healing to one’s entire body.

Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it are the sources of life.

For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her seductive words are smoother than olive oil,

for jealousy kindles a husband’s rage, and he will not show mercy when he takes revenge.

For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a journey of some distance.

for she has brought down many fatally wounded, and all those she has slain are many.

Listen, for I will speak excellent things, and my lips will utter what is right.

For my mouth speaks truth, and my lips hate wickedness.

For the one who finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.

For because of me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

But they do not realize that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.

The one who puts up security for a stranger will surely have trouble, but whoever avoids shaking hands will be secure.

If the righteous are recompensed on earth, how much more the wicked sinner!

Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness.

A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him to work.

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind.

Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger, and when he gives surety for strangers, hold him in pledge.