(Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!)

at the head of the noisy streets she calls, in the entrances of the gates in the city she utters her words:

who leaves the husband from her younger days, and forgets her marriage covenant made before God.

For her house sinks down to death, and her paths lead to the place of the departed spirits.

None who go in to her will return, nor will they reach the paths of life.

For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold.

She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are very pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.

She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her, and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you.

Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

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

Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.

Lest she should make level the path leading to life, her paths are unstable but she does not know it.

Keep yourself far from her, and do not go near the door of her house,

a loving doe, a graceful deer; may her breasts satisfy you at all times, may you be captivated by her love always.

Do not lust in your heart for her beauty, and do not let her captivate you with her alluring eyes;

So it is with the one who has sex with his neighbor's wife; no one who touches her will escape punishment.

so that they may keep you from the adulterous woman, from the loose woman who flatters you with her words.

He was passing by the street near her corner, making his way along the road to her house

She persuaded him with persuasive words; with her smooth talk she compelled him.

Suddenly he went after her like an ox that goes to the slaughter, like a stag prancing into a trapper's snare

Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways -- do not wander into her pathways;

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

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

At the top of the elevated places along the way, at the intersection of the paths she takes her stand;

For wisdom is better than rubies, and desirable things cannot be compared to her.

Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out its seven pillars.

She has prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine; she also has arranged her table.

She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places of the city.

"Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," she says to those who lack understanding.

So she sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,

calling out to those who are passing by her in the way, who go straight on their way.

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here," she says to those who lack understanding.

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

A noble wife is the crown of her husband, but the wife who acts shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.

Every wise woman builds her household, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Gray hair is like a crown of glory; it is attained in the path of righteousness.

A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves shamefully, and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.

It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly.

The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.

for it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than to put you lower before a prince, whom your eyes have seen.

Whoever hides her hides the wind or grasps oil with his right hand.

This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, "I have not done wrong."

under an unloved woman who is married, and under a female servant who dispossesses her mistress.

Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.

The heart of her husband has confidence in her, and he has no lack of gain.

She brings him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She obtains wool and flax, and she is pleased to work with her hands.

She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.

She also gets up while it is still night, and provides food for her household and a portion to her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it; from her own income she plants a vineyard.

She begins her work vigorously, and she strengthens her arms.

She knows that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out in the night.

Her hands take hold of the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.

She extends her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all of her household are clothed with scarlet.

She makes for herself coverlets; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is well-known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also praises her:

Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.