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

24 Now then, my sons, listen(E) to me;
    pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
    or stray into her paths.(F)
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.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 7:22 Syriac (see also Septuagint); Hebrew fool
  2. Proverbs 7:22 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

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