If they say, “Come with us;
Let us lie in wait to shed blood,
Let us ambush the innocent without cause;

Let us swallow them alive like Sheol (the place of the dead),
Even whole, as those who go down to the pit [of death];

Throw in your lot with us [they insist];
We will all have one money bag [in common],”

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;

Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];
Bind them [securely] around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

My son, let them not escape from your sight,
But keep sound wisdom and discretion,

He taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
Keep my commandments and live.

I have instructed you in the way of [skillful and godly] wisdom;
I have led you in upright paths.

Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.

But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day.

Do not let them escape from your sight;
Keep them in the center of your heart.

Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage]
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you [toward the path of integrity].

Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet,
And all your ways will be steadfast and sure.

Let your way [in life] be far from her,
And do not go near the door of her house [avoid even being near the places of temptation],

[Confine yourself to your own wife.] Let your children be yours alone,
And not the children of strangers with you.

Let your fountain (wife) be blessed [with the rewards of fidelity],
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Let her be as a loving hind and graceful doe,
Let her breasts refresh and satisfy you at all times;
Always be exhilarated and delight in her love.

When you walk about, they (the godly teachings of your parents) will guide you;
When you sleep, they will keep watch over you;
And when you awake, they will talk to you.

For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light,
And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life,

Do not desire (lust after) her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her capture you with her eyelashes.

“Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning;
Let us console and delight ourselves with love.

Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her [evil, immoral] paths.

“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”
As for him who lacks understanding, she says,

“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks understanding (common sense), she says,

The wages of the righteous [the upright, those in right standing with God] is [a worthwhile, meaningful] life,
The income of the wicked, punishment.

The light of the righteous [within him—grows brighter and] rejoices,
But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.

The light of the eyes rejoices the hearts of others,
And good news puts fat on the bones.

In the light of the king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.

The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord.

Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs
Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly.

Do not let your heart envy sinners [who live godless lives and have no hope of salvation],
But [continue to] live in the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord day by day.

Let your father and your mother be glad,
And let her who gave birth to you rejoice [in your wise and godly choices].

My son, give me your heart
And let your eyes delight in my ways,

Do not rejoice and gloat when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad [in self-righteousness] when he stumbles,

Let your foot seldom be in your neighbor’s house,
Or he will become tired of you and hate you.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold [to separate the impurities of the metal],
And each is tested by the praise given to him [and his response to it, whether humble or proud].

A man who is burdened with the guilt of human blood (murder)
Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him or give him refuge.

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

Let him drink and forget his poverty
And no longer remember his trouble.

Give her of the product of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].