Proverbs 7:21-27

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She seduces him with her persistent pleading;
she lures with her flattering^(a) talk.

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He follows her impulsively
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer bounding toward a trap^(b)

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until an arrow pierces its^(c) liver,^(A)
like a bird darting into a snare^(B)—
he doesn’t know it will cost him his life.

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Now, my sons, listen to me,
and pay attention to the words of my mouth.

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Don’t let your heart turn aside to her ways;
don’t stray onto her paths.^(C)

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For she has brought many down to death;
her victims are countless.^(d)

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Her house is the road to Sheol,
descending to the chambers of death.^(D)

a. Proverbs 7:21: Lit smooth

b. Proverbs 7:22: Text emended; MT reads like a shackle to the discipline of a fool; Hb obscure

c. Proverbs 7:23: Or his

d. Proverbs 7:26: Or and powerful men are all her victims

A. Proverbs 7:21: Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5:3-6; Proverbs 23:27-28

B. Proverbs 7:23: Ecclesiastes 9:12

C. Proverbs 7:25: Proverbs 5:8

D. Proverbs 7:27: Proverbs 2:18; Proverbs 5:5; Proverbs 9:18; 1 Corinthians 6:9