22 Suddenly he follows her
As an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as [a]one walks in ankle bracelets to the discipline of a fool,
23 Until an arrow pierces through his liver;
As a (A)bird hurries to the snare,
So he does not know that it will cost him his life.

24 Now therefore, my sons, (B)listen to me,
And pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 Do not let your heart (C)turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths.
26 For many are the [b]victims she has brought to ruin,
And (D)numerous are all those slaughtered by her.
27 Her (E)house is the way to Sheol,
Descending to the chambers of death.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 7:22 Or as a stag goes into a trap; as in some ancient versions, Heb is uncertain
  2. Proverbs 7:26 Lit wounded

22 All at once he followed her
    like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer[a] stepping into a noose[b](A)
23     till an arrow pierces(B) his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
    little knowing it will cost him his life.(C)

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

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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.