Chapter summary

A father advises his son to treasure his commandments and view wisdom and understanding as close relatives to stay protected from the seductive words of an adulterous woman. Looking through his window at twilight, the speaker observes a young man lacking judgment walking near the corner of this woman's street. The woman, dressed like a harlot with a cunning and defiant heart, emerges from her lurking place, seizes the young man, and kisses him. She tells him that she has paid her vows, prepared her bed with colorful Egyptian linens and costly perfumes, and notes that her husband is away on a long journey until the full moon. Using persuasive words and flattering lips, she entices the youth, who follows her impulsively like an ox going to slaughter or a bird rushing into a snare, unaware that it will cost him his life. The speaker then urges his sons to listen to his words, warning them not to turn aside to her paths because her house leads down to the chambers of death.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.